Starfish – Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Chip Starfish Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 38cm (1′ 3″)

Diet: Omnivores (Recommend direct feeding every 1-3 days depending on size)

Temperament: Semi-aggresive

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Scientific Name: Protoreaster Nodosus

Other Common Names: Nodular Sea Star, Chocolate Chip Sea Star

Coral Safe: No

Invertebrate Safe: Yes with Caution (Will eat sessile invertebrates [anemones, clams, sponges, etc.] )

The Chocolate Chip starfish is one of the most common predator species of starfish seen in the hobby. Its scientific name is Protoreaster Nodosus but it is mainly called by it’s common name, the chocolate chip starfish. It is also sometimes called the nodular sea star. This starfish comes from the Oreasteridae family. Chocolate chip starfish can reach a maximum of 1’3” but that is almost never seen in captivity, a more common size is 2-5”. These starfish can live up to 20 years. Chocolate chip starfish are omnivores and should be directly fed with meaty food every 1-3 days depending on the size of starfish and the size of food given. Chocolate chip stars have a minimum tank size of 20 gallons.These starfish are considered semi-aggressive because of their wide diet, chocolate chip starfish will eat soft coral, sessile invertebrates, and mollusks. They are not considered coral safe and caution should be taken around certain invertebrates. Chocolate chip stars are nocturnal and will most often be seen on the rocks or the glass. Starfish are regenerative and will grow back an arm if it is lost.