STARFISH – CHOCOLATE CHIP Protoreaster nodosus

$29.99$39.99

The Chocolate Chip Starfish may be one of the most highly recognized starfish in the hobby because of its notable appearance. With many dark protrusions on the surface of the starfish that are reminiscent of chocolate chips on a cookie, the Chocolate chip starfish adds instant appeal to a FOWLR (fish only with live rock) aquarium. Originating from Indonesia, the Chocolate chip starfish can reach an impressive size of 15″ across and comes in a variety of brown, tan, and cream colors. Unlike some other sea stars, the Chocolate chip starfish is a relatively hardy species with easy dietary requirements to fulfill.

Description

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Chocolate Chip Starfish may be one of the most highly recognized starfish in the hobby because of its notable appearance. With many dark protrusions on the surface of the starfish that are reminiscent of chocolate chips on a cookie, the Chocolate chip starfish adds instant appeal to a FOWLR (fish only with live rock) aquarium. Originating from Indonesia, the Chocolate chip starfish can reach an impressive size of 15″ across and comes in a variety of brown, tan, and cream colors. Unlike some other sea stars, the Chocolate chip starfish is a relatively hardy species with easy dietary requirements to fulfill.

Diet Requirements: Chocolate chip starfish are carnivores. Directly offer it pieces of shrimp, clam, squid or other meaty foods at least once a week.

Tank Requirements: An established, minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons is recommended to house an adult Chocolate chip starfish. Any aquarium smaller than 75 gallons would unlikely provide the large, open sandbed a Chocolate chip starfish requires in order to forage. Maintaining stable water parameters is a very important component to the success of keeping this invertebrate; they are intolerable of high nitrates. Chocolate chip starfish can be sensitive to temperature, pH, and salinity changes. Do not house Chocolate chip starfish with fish that can harm it, such as pufferfish and certain triggerfish species. Chocolate chip starfish are not reef safe because they will consume soft corals, large polyp stony corals, sponges, tubeworms, clams and other starfish. It is absolutely necessary to take time acclimating a Chocolate chip starfish; we suggest via drip acclimation. Recommended water conditions: 76-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.024-1.026. Limit air exposure of Chocolate chip starfish when handling.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 6″; XLarge: 6″+

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.

Shipping & Delivery

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.