Knobbly Sea Star

Field notes

ID: Knobbly Sea Star — Protoreaster nodosus — The identification is based on the five-armed body plan and the distinct dark, chocolate-chip-like conical knobs on its dorsal surface, which are diagnostic for Protoreaster nodosus. — A heavy-bodied sea star easily recognized by the prominent, dark, conical knobs protruding from its dorsal surface.

Expert notes

A large, heavy-bodied sea star characterized by prominent dark brown, cone-shaped knobs on its upper surface. — The distinct five-armed shape with prominent dark brown, chocolate-chip-like knobs on a lighter brownish/beige body is diagnostic of the Knobbly Sea Star ([Protoreaster nodosus - Wikipedia Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protoreaster_nodosus)).