Protoreaster nodosus

Habitat & Distribution :  Reefs & Tidepools of the Indo-Pacific

Diet : Detritus, algae, carcasses

Size : 40 cm

Lifespan : 10-17 years

Description

The chocolate chip sea star is recognized by its light-colored, thick, and stout body, usually beige, tan, red, or orang adorned with dark brown or black conical spines that resemble chocolate chips. 

Behavior

This species is known for its unique "inside-out" feeding behavior, extruding its stomach to digest food externally. Along with using its spiky, "chocolate chip" tubercles for protection 

Reproduction

They reproduce both sexually through broadcast spawning and asexually via regeneration. 

Communication & Perception

They communicate and interact with their environment primarily through chemical signals and physical contact. As echinoderms, they utilize a specialized sensory system to navigate, find food, and locate mates in their Indo-Pacific habitat. 

Predator(s)

Pufferfish, parrotfish