{"product_id":"chocolate-chip-sea-star-redish-brown-variant","title":"Chocolate Chip Sea Star","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eProtoreaster nodosus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, commonly known as the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSpiny Starfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eCushion Starfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, is a fascinating starfish in the Indo-Pacific region. It is known for its striking appearance and distinctive, spiny body. This species is often sought after for marine aquariums due to its unique looks and relatively hardy nature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eColoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Protoreaster nodosus is known for its vibrant and varied colour patterns. The body is typically a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003erich orange, red, or yellow\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, often with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003edark spots\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ebands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e along its arms. Its coloration can vary significantly depending on its environment, ranging from vibrant orange to subtle shades of yellow and brown.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eShape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: The starfish has a broad, thick, and somewhat flattened body. Its arms are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003estumpy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ewide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, typically numbering five, and each is covered with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eprominent spines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003enodules\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, which give it a rough, spiky texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: This starfish can grow to about \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e12–14 inches (30–35 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e in diameter, with its arms spreading outwards from the central disc.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eNatural Range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: The Protoreaster nodosus is found in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eIndo-Pacific\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e region, particularly around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eIndonesia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ePhilippines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eGreat Barrier Reef\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. It typically resides in shallow waters, often in coral reef ecosystems.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ePreferred Environment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: It inhabits sandy, rocky, or reef environments where it can find food sources such as detritus, algae, and decaying organic matter. It is usually found in areas with moderate water flow and plenty of hiding spots.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eAquarium Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: A minimum of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e75–100 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e is recommended for this species due to its large size and active feeding habits.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Protoreaster nodosus is an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eomnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e and feeds on a wide variety of foods, including:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eDetritus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e (decaying organic matter)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eAlgae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eDead coral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eIt can also be fed commercial foods such as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003emarine pellets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003emeaty foods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e designed for starfish. However, it can be somewhat difficult to sustain if there is a lack of natural food sources in the tank, so supplemental feeding may be necessary.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: This starfish prefers a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003efine sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003egravel substrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e where it can crawl and forage for food. It also enjoys hiding in crevices or under rocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eProtoreaster nodosus is generally \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003epeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, though its large size means it should not be kept with smaller, more fragile tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eIt does well with other invertebrates like snails, hermit crabs, and peaceful fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eIt should not be kept with delicate corals, as it may accidentally disturb them while foraging or moving about the tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eReef-Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Yes, the Protoreaster nodosus is considered reef-safe. It poses no threat to corals and generally leaves other invertebrates alone. However, it may occasionally disturb tiny organisms when foraging.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eActivity Level\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Protoreaster nodosus is a relatively \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eslow-moving\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e starfish. It spends most of its time crawling along the substrate for food. While it is not particularly active in swimming or moving fast, it can be diligent in scouring the bottom of the tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSocial Behavior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: This species is solitary and not territorial, though it will not hesitate to move into areas with abundant food. It does not require other starfish to thrive but may coexist peacefully with them in larger tanks.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eFeeding Habits\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: The spiny starfish is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003escavenger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, feeding on organic debris and leftover food. It uses its tube feet to slowly move across surfaces, extending its arms to find suitable food sources. It is capable of regenerating lost limbs if injured.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eProtoreaster nodosus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e is a beautiful and unique starfish prized for its bold appearance and beneficial role as a scavenger in the aquarium. This species can be a long-term and visually striking addition to a marine aquarium with proper care, a well-maintained tank, and the right environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament: \u003c\/strong\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet: \u003c\/strong\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e: No\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOreasteridae\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46894846869744,"sku":"ChocolateChipSeaStar","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/7482\/5712\/files\/Protoreasternodosus.jpg?v=1747749364","url":"https:\/\/www.saltwaterprosreef.ca\/products\/chocolate-chip-sea-star-redish-brown-variant","provider":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}