Breeding Temperature
80-82°F triggers active breeding. Males pursue females more, females accept mates, pregnancies progress rapidly.
Gestation shortens to 22-25 days (from 28 average). Broods can be larger.
Pause Temperature
73-75°F slows metabolism and reduces breeding drive. Males chase less, females carry longer.
Useful when you have enough fry already or need breeders to rest.
Gradual Changes
Never change temperature more than 2°F per day. Sudden changes stress fish and cause disease.
Ramp up over a week when triggering breeding; ramp down similarly when pausing.
Combined Triggers
Temperature + water changes + live food = strong breeding trigger.
Temperature + dim light + reduced food = breeding pause.