Species · GBIF taxon 5187269
Chocolate Chip Sea Star
Protoreaster nodosusAlso known as Horned Starfish, Chocolate Chip Starfish, Horned Sea Star, Nodose Sea Star
Chocolate chip sea stars are striking echinoderms recognizable by the dark, blunt horn-like spines that dot their thick, cushiony bodies. They inhabit shallow, sandy seagrass beds and coral reefs, where they slowly crawl across the seafloor to graze on organic matter and small invertebrates. These slow-moving creatures play a vital role in their ecosystems by recycling nutrients and keeping seagrass beds healthy.
MarineReef-DwellingInvertebrate
- diet
- Omnivorous scavenger feeding on algae, detritus, sponges, and small invertebrates
- family
- Oreasteridae
- threats
- Overharvesting for the curio and aquarium trades, habitat destruction, and coastal development
- life Span
- Up to 17 years
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Vulnerable to localized extinction due to heavy harvesting for the dried souvenir trade and the marine aquarium industry.
Never remove them from the water or rearrange them for photos; observe them undisturbed in their natural sandy or seagrass habitats.- Look but do not touch: Avoid lifting them out of the water, as exposure to air can trap bubbles inside their water vascular system and cause fatal damage.
- Watch for commensals: Look closely between their spines to spot tiny commensal shrimps or crabs that use the sea star for protection.
- Boycott dried curios: Refuse to purchase dried sea stars in souvenir shops to help curb destructive overharvesting.