Common name: chocolate chip starfish

General information

The Chocolate Chip Starfish, or Horned Sea Star, Protoreaster nodosus, is a popular marine invertebrate in the reef aquarium hobby. Known for its distinctive horn-like spines and chocolate-brown tubercles on top of a beige to orange body, it adds a unique aesthetic to any tank. This species is widely distributed in the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Care

While Protoreaster nodosus is relatively hardy, it requires a spacious tank with a sandy bottom and plenty of live rock for grazing. It is an omnivore that feeds on detritus, small invertebrates, and sometimes corals, which makes it unsuitable for a reef tank with delicate corals. Hobbyists should provide a varied diet including meaty foods and marine algae.

Reproduction

In the wild, Protoreaster nodosus reproduces by releasing gametes into the water column, a process known as broadcast spawning. In captivity, breeding is less common, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.

Symbiosis

While not known for specific symbiotic relationships like clownfish and anemones, the Chocolate Chip Starfish may host small commensal organisms such as shrimps or crabs that seek refuge among its spines.

Habitat

Protoreaster nodosus is found in a variety of shallow marine environments, from seagrass beds to coral reefs, typically at depths up to 30 meters. They are often seen in areas with soft substrates where they can easily forage for food.