Chocolate Chip Sea Star

Overview

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star (Protoreaster nodosus) is a large, robust echinoderm native to the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is easily recognized by its rigid, calcified body and distinctive dark, conical spines that resemble chocolate chips on a cookie.

Distribution & habitat

This species is widely distributed throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging from the east coast of Africa to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia. It typically inhabits shallow, soft-bottom environments such as seagrass beds, sandy or muddy flats, and lagoon areas, often found at depths between 0 and 37 meters.

Appearance

Typically displaying a five-pointed star shape, this sea star can reach diameters of up to 30–40 cm. Its dorsal surface is covered in a single radial row of dark, horn-like tubercles that may erode or blunt over time. The body color is highly variable, ranging from shades of red, orange, and brown to light tan or beige. On the underside, it features rows of tube feet with sucker-like tips, which are often bright red or purple.

Biology & behavior

These sea stars are generally solitary and are known to be important consumers and bioturbators in their sedimentary habitats. They exhibit phototactic behavior, moving more rapidly in light and crawling in circuitous paths in the dark. Like other members of the class Asteroidea, they possess significant regenerative capabilities, allowing them to regrow lost arms or portions of their central disc.

Feeding

As extra-oral feeders, they lack jaws and ingest food by extending their stomach over their prey. Their diet is varied, consisting of sponges, mollusks, sea urchins, microorganisms, and organic detritus found in the substrate.