Chocolate Chip Starfish

Superpower

Carries its own mini-ecosystem — tiny shrimp and brittle stars live on its back.

At a glance

Size

typically 15 cm, up to 30 cm

Lifespan

5–10 years

Depth

1–30 m

Habitat

Seagrass beds and sandy lagoons.

Diet

Sponges, snails and detritus.

Can I eat it?

No — this one is not eaten.

Fun facts

• •The dark horns on its back look like chocolate chips.
• •Small shrimp and worms often live on its surface.
• •It prefers calm seagrass meadows to coral reefs.