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Invertebrates |  |
Phylum: Echinodermata, Class: Asteroidea
Range: Indian and Pacific Oceans
Size: 5 in. Space:: 100+ gal. Diet: sponges, algae, molluscs (including Tridacna, urchins, anemones
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Peaceful
Natural History: The Chocolate Chip starfish is an echinoderm that has tube feet for crawling and catching prey. It controls its tube feet with an internal water vascular hydraulic system. The Protoreaster are reported to eat sponges, corals, and sea anemones. This starfish has stiff arms that prevent it from crawling into tight spaces as other starfish can.
Husbandry: The Chocolate Chip starfish is not safe with anemones, sponges, and clams - it will eat them. It can be fed chopped clams and squid. This species is reported to be difficult to feed