Chocolate chip starfish

The Chocolate Chip Starfish (Protoreaster nodosus) is a striking and hardy addition to larger reef aquariums, instantly recognizable by its distinctive dark brown or black tubercles that resemble chocolate chips scattered across its tan to cream-colored body.

Care Level & Requirements

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons
• Diet: Omnivore - feeds on detritus, algae, and meaty foods
• Reef Safe: With caution - may consume soft corals, sponges, and small invertebrates

What to Expect

This robust starfish is an excellent scavenger that will patrol your sandbed and rockwork, helping to keep your aquarium clean by consuming leftover food, detritus, and film algae. While generally peaceful, the Chocolate Chip Starfish is not fully reef safe and may prey on soft corals, tube worms, clams, and other sessile invertebrates if not adequately fed.

Feeding & Nutrition

Supplement their diet with meaty foods such as chopped shrimp, mussels, or quality pellet foods placed near the starfish. They will also graze on naturally occurring microorganisms in established aquariums with live rock and a mature sandbed.

Acclimation & Handling

Critical: Starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in water parameters and should never be exposed to air. Use a slow drip acclimation method over 60-90 minutes to ensure a smooth transition. Sudden changes in salinity, pH, or temperature can be fatal.

Our Live Arrival Guarantee

Every Chocolate Chip Starfish ships with our live arrival guarantee. We carefully pack each specimen to ensure it arrives healthy and ready to thrive in your reef system.