Nature Field Guide
Pacific Chocolate Chip Sea Star
- Spanish name
- Estrella chocolate del Pacífico
- Scientific name
- Nidorellia armata
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Those bumps might remind Pico of chocolate chips, but this star is a living animal. Tati’s rule is simple: look closely and leave it in the water.
Species overview
About the Pacific Chocolate Chip Sea Star
Nidorellia armata is commonly called a chocolate chip sea star. Raised knobs on its upper surface make its outline and texture interesting to compare with smoother-looking sea stars. Common names can be shared by different species, so keep the scientific name with the picture you use.
Identification
Key Features of the Pacific Chocolate Chip Sea Star
A broad star-shaped outline
Conspicuous raised knobs on the upper surface
Check Nidorellia armata rather than relying on the common name alone
Habitat & range
Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.
Local observations
Documented in Guanacaste. Also recorded at Isla del Coco (Oceanic Pacific); the museum checklist uses Ophiocoma alexandri for Ophiocomella alexandri. Region tags represent documented locations, not an exhaustive range or a promise of occurrence at every beach. Additional regional assignments require locality evidence.
When to observe
Visibility depends on the site, conditions and the animal. Ask a local guide about an appropriate visit; no fixed encounter season is promised.
Conservation & care
Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.
Observation activity
Draw the animal and represent the knobs with dots. Try the same pattern on a paper star at home.