Sea star identification help   1/28/13 Hello WWM Crew, I would like some help identifying this sea star. It's about 2.5" to 3" from tip to tip, and pink with purple tips. The closest thing I found on the internet was a Chocolate Chip Star, <I too think this is a young Protoreaster nodosus>  but it really doesn't match the color descriptions given. <Does occur in other colors>  I also notice the lack of "chips" along each arm. <These develop over time, w/ growth, size>  It's been in a FOWLR for over 2 years, but 2 months ago I got a Long Tentacle Anemone and a few days ago a couple of beginner frags (Softies & Polyps) so now I would like to know for sure what type of star this is. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Sincerely, Mariel <Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Classification Question re: Chocolate Chip Sea Star -- 4/14/07 Hi, <Hi Lisa!> I don't have a question about pet management, just some trouble with classification. <Okay> I'm trying to research the Chocolate Chip Sea Star for my biology class, but I'm confused about its scientific name. Various internet sources say that the Chocolate Chip Sea Star is also known as the Horned Sea Star/Nodular Sea Star/Knobby Sea Star <Yes, all are common names for Protoreaster nodosus.>, but they have classified the animal as both the Protoreaster nodosus and the Nidorellia armata. <Hmmm, I'm not aware of N. armata being commonly called anything other than a chocolate chip star or chocolate chip sea star.> I was hoping you could give me a clear answer on both the common and scientific names of this sea star. <(See above) If you're researching the chocolate chip sea star that's more commonly seen in saltwater tanks, then that would be Protoreaster nodosus.> Thank you! Lisa <You're welcome, Lisa, and good luck on your project! --Lynn> <<Well done Lynn. RMF>>