Temperature: This species is subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations in nature and is most comfortable between 14 – 22 °C.
Permanent exposure to warmer conditions is likely to result in a shortened lifespan and in many countries or well-insulated homes it’s best-maintained without artificial heating year-round.
In tests the wild fish from Hainan Island showed a reduced tolerance to cooler temperatures compared with tank-bred specimens, presumably due to their more southerly, i.e., tropical, distribution.
pH: 6.0 – 8.5
Hardness: 90 – 357 ppm