The optimum temperature range
for development of eggs and rearing
of fry is between 78 and 82°F
(26 to 28°C). If the temperature is
too low, hatching and development
are prolonged, and fungi,
which thrive in cool waters, often
invade the egg mass. At higher
water temperatures, embryos develop
too fast and there may be a
high incidence of malformed or
nonviable fry. Also, bacterial diseases
of eggs or fry and channel
catfish virus disease of fry are
more common if the water temperature
is greater than 82°F
(28°C).