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Chocolate Chip Starfish

The chocolate chip starfish (Protoreaster nodosus) is a species of sea star found in the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific region. Known also as the horned sea star, this species is characterized by a rigid five pointed star-shape with tapering arms. The body is covered with large, conical points that give the animal the appearance of a chocolate chip cookie, thus its common name. They grow up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) in diameter and are usually colored in shades of red or brown, but can also be light tan.