The Chocolate Chip Starfish is a highly recognizable ornamental sea star that has always had instant appeal within the saltwater aquarium community. Chocolate Chip Starfish are opportunistic eaters which means they will eat detritus, sponges, shellfish, clams, and decaying animal and plant matter. For this reason these starfish are not reef safe and should only be kept in FOWLR saltwater aquariums only. They should be kept in larger saltwater aquariums with mild tempered fish. You should avoid housing them with predatory fish such as triggers and puffers as they are slow moving and can easily become a meal. Similar to other invertebrates, Chocolate Chip Starfish do not tolerate copper, high levels of nitrates or parameter swings in an aquarium.
Note: Chocolate chip starfish are not reef safe as they will eat most coral and eventually invertabrates.
Introduction to Chocolate Chip Starfish (Protoreaster nodosus) – Unique & Hardy Aquarium Scavenger
The chocolate chip starfish (Protoreaster nodosus) is a striking and hardy sea star, easily recognized by the raised, dark “chocolate chip” nodules along its arms. These starfish are excellent scavengers, feeding on detritus, uneaten food, and decaying organic matter in fish-only and FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquariums. However, chocolate chip starfish are not reef-safe, as they may consume corals, sponges, and other sessile invertebrates. They are best suited for larger, well-established aquariums with non-aggressive fish.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Easy to Moderate – Hardy but sensitive to water quality changes Minimum Tank Size: 50+ gallons Aquarium Setup: Prefers sandy substrates and live rock for foraging Chocolate chip starfish require stable salinity and a well-established aquarium with plenty of natural food sources. They should not be exposed to sudden parameter shifts, as they are sensitive to environmental changes.
Diet & Nutrition
Chocolate chip starfish are opportunistic scavengers, consuming a variety of foods found in the aquarium. Diet: Omnivorous – Prefers meaty foods, detritus, and algae Recommended Foods: Chopped shrimp, squid, and fish Frozen or fresh marine meaty foods Algae wafers and sinking pellets (for supplemental feeding) They should be target-fed regularly to ensure they receive adequate nutrition, especially in tanks with limited natural food availability.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 5-10 years Growth Rate: Slow – Can grow up to 12 inches in large aquariums With proper care and stable
Water Conditions
, chocolate chip starfish can live for several years and grow to a substantial size.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful – Does not interact with or harm fish Reef Safe? No – Will consume corals, sponges, and other sessile invertebrates Avoid housing with aggressive fish like puffers or triggers, which may nip at their tube feet and soft tissue.
Common Challenges & Considerations
Not Reef-Safe: Will prey on corals, sponges, and small invertebrates. Sensitive to Salinity Changes: Requires stable
Water Conditions
and slow acclimation. May Require Supplemental Feeding: If food is scarce, regular target feeding is necessary. For best results, maintain stable water parameters and provide a well-balanced diet.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.024-1.026
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we take pride in ensuring your order arrives safely and in perfect condition. Here’s everything you need to know about our shipping process:
Livestock Shipping Details
- Flat Rate Shipping:
- $39.99 Out of State
- $34.99 Florida (In-State)
- Orders over $299 ship FREE!
- NO FREE Shipping during Sale Events
- Shipping Days: The calendar during checkout determines when your livestock order will arrive. Normally we ship Monday - Thursday via FedEx Priority Overnight.
Orders placed by 2 PM EST Monday - Thursday ship the same day. Orders placed after 2 PM or on Fridays will ship the next business day. - Delivery Times: Most packages arrive by 10:30 AM EST, though remote areas may experience later deliveries.
We take every measure to protect your livestock, including specialized packaging to maintain temperature and safety during transit.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
In the rare event of a DOA, you must submit a DOA Request within 2 hours of delivery (FedEx posted time). Once submitted, we will issue a replacement or store credit for the livestock. Please note:
- Shipping costs are not included in the credit.
- Refunds are not offered for livestock or shipping.
While we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by mechanical or weather issues, rest assured we’ll do everything possible to make it right!
Reef Guard Protection Plan
For ultimate peace of mind, upgrade to our Reef Guard Protection Plan. With Reef Guard, you’ll enjoy:
- Extended Livestock Guarantee: Coverage for up to 5 days.
- Priority Resolutions: Hassle-free claims with fast resolutions.
- Weather & Shipping Delay Coverage: Includes FedEx lost packages and damages.
Shipping Restrictions
- We currently ship livestock only within the continental U.S.
- Note: Due to Hawaii state law, we are unable to ship corals to Hawaii.
Now’s the perfect time to prepare your aquarium for its new additions. Consider doing a water change and ensuring space is ready. Check out our YouTube channel for detailed care instructions for your new corals!
For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help make your reefing journey a success!
5 Day Reef Guard
Temp-Control Box
Priority Overnight
Expert Care Support