Mating relies on detection of cues that indicate species, sex, and status of potential partners. Integration of this information is biased by the reproductive status of the receiver, but the mechanism is unclear. Progestin and prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF) have been previously implicated as key signals that convey fertility status to the brain in a variety of vertebrate species, and their serum levels rise before fish mate. We take advantage of reproductive behavior in the cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni, which exhibits quantifiable spawning routines and is genetically tractable with CRISPR/Cas and Tol2 transgenesis. We find that PGF injection rapidly triggers naturalistic spawning behavior. CRISPR mutagenesis of either the progestin receptor (Pgr) or the PGF receptor (Ptgfr) results in a complete abolition of female spawning behaviors. These and other results lead us to a model in which Pgr signaling drives transcription of Ptgfr and increased sensitivity to PGF. PGF in turn activates Ptgfr in key regions of the brain to rapidly drive spawning behavior after ovulation. We infer that PGF-sensitive cells in the female brain form an integral component of a neural circuit for mating. Furthermore, while cichlids are insensitive to PGF released into the environment, it initiates a pheromonal signaling from females, attracting males. I will discuss the nature of this pheromone and its perception. Thus, PGF initiates hormonal and pheromonal signaling that synchronizes behavior of males and females.