Chocolate Chip Sea Star

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star (Protoreaster sp.) is a peaceful species that is generally reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking appearance, featuring beige to reddish-brown bodies adorned with dark, chocolate-like tubercles, a robust structure, and moderate size.

 Males typically appear similar to females, with no significant sexual dimorphism visible externally, while females/juveniles share the same patterning but may have smaller tubercles and more delicate limbs. They reach about 12 inches in diameter and should be housed in aquariums of at least 50 gallons. Provide a sandy substrate, scattered live rock for grazing, some hiding spots, and open swimming areas to allow natural movement. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) and a secure lid, as many sea stars are prone to climbing and escaping. Their diet should consist of meaty invertebrates, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and algae-based supplements, and with proper care, this invertebrate makes a striking and hardy addition to a marine aquarium.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.