question: atlantic starfish = chocolate chip starfish?

[graber]

About two weeks ago, I bought what was named an "Atlantic Starfish" from the LFS. I couldn't find any information about an Atlantic Starfish on the web, except for common ones that did not resemble mine in the least. And recently, looking at different types of starfish, I noticed that the chocolate chip starfish resembles mine very closely. The differences I've noticed are that my starfish is much darker than the chocolate chip, and doesn't have as many spines on its back.

But anyways, I know that some types of fish are referred to by more than one name. And I was wondering if that was the same case with this starfish. I have coral in my tank, and know that its not a good idea to keep chocolate chip stars along with them. So if anyone could tell me if my atlantic starfish is really a chocolate chip starfish, I'd appreciate it alot. Or, if they are not the same, does anyone know if their behaviors are different as well. I'd like to know if it is safe to keep in my tank, still. Thanks.

[octopus]

its not a chochlate chip they are tan with green spikes i have a pretty large one in my tank,sorry i can't help identify yours

[Drew]

IMO it is a Chocolate Chip star. I have seen them in different forms. Even if it's not, I would not trust that thing with my corals. BTW, is that thing out of the water?

Drew

[Reef Rat]

Originally posted by octopus:
its not a chochlate chip they are tan with green spikes...

octopus, are YOU sure? The Protoreaster nodosus has natural color variations which include red, yellow, blue and brown. The common name of "chocolate chip" starfish probably only refers to one of those color schemes. However, I've seen many photos of said "chocolate chip" starfish which display more variety than you would seem to suggest.

graber, from what I know, the Protoreaster nodosus is an Indo-Pacific indigene. There are two related genera that are found in the tropical Atlantic, however. I haven't had a chance to specifically ID your's yet, but if you haven't gotten a positive ID by tomorrow, I'll take another look into the situation. It could prove useful it you could provide an equally good picture of it's "underside".

Cheers,
Steve

[fredly]

Looks like a Choco-star to me too. I had one a while back - until it consumed 3/4 of a colony of yellow polyps. He was one cool critter, but I took him back to the LFS for someone else to enjoy. It's probably my fault for not feeding him enough, so you may get by with no problem at all - provided he's not hungry. I was amazed at the strength of the digestive juice they have - made short work of my yellows.

Jeeper

[Wrasse Man]

I would wager a guess that that bad boy is chocolate chip. The good news is: he won't eat your corals! (if you take him out of the water to take pics!)

[octopus]

ok so i maybe wrong i am only going on what i was told about MY star ,sorry.

[Alice]

As a general rule of thumb, starfish with fat stubby arms are not safe with corals. Those with long thin arms usually do not prey on corals, although they may snag a small fish or two, especially in the case of big, underfed green brittle stars.

~Alice