Protomelas sp. "Steveni Taiwan" (Taiwanee Reef)

Size: Male P. sp. 'steveni taiwan' can attain a maximum total length of about 17 cm, while females usually stay several centimeters smaller with a maximum total length of about 13 cm. Habitat: P. sp. ‘steveni taiwan’ inhabits the pure rocky habitats which mainly consists of huge boulders. Territorial males defend territories on top of rocks at rather deep levels—most males are found at a depth of more than 15 meters. Most of the year there is a heavy current around the reef, sometimes so strong that it is difficult for a diver to swim against, even with fins! The only species that braves such a current is P. saulosi. P. sp. ‘steveni taiwan’ may have been forced by the current, which is strongest at the top of the reef, to settle in deeper regions. Females can sometimes be seen in shallower water, usually in loose groups of less than 25 members. Breeding: Territorial males defend a large section on the upper side of a large boulder. They feed from within their territories but not from t