Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Goldfish > Pearlscale Goldfish

Pearlscale Goldfish

Family: Cyprinidae

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Carassius auratus auratus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The rounded body of the Pearlscale Goldfish appears as if adorned with rows of luminescent pearls!

   The Pearlscale Goldfish is usually twin-tailed with a very compact body. It can be easily recognized by its nacreous scales with raised centers and dark perimeters. Arranged in rows of these distinctively raised scales look like pale pearls. This is the only variety of goldfish with these types of scales.

   Rather than having the long slender body of the Common Goldfish or the Shubunkins, The Pearlscale Goldfish is one of the more rounded or egg-shaped fancy gold fish. They have a straight back with a swollen belly, resembling a golfball. They can be found in all kinds of colors, such as red, blue, black, calico, chocolate and red/white combinations. A variation of the common pearlscale is the Crown Pearlscale or Hamanishiki Crown Pearlscale, which develops a hood or head growth similar to that seen on the Oranda Goldfish.

   Pearlscale Goldfish are very popular gold fish and are found in collectors tanks throughout the world. Their hardiness and ability to live in cold temperatures makes them ideal pets. However, like many of the egg-shaped goldfish, they are slow swimmers. These fish won't win any races, but if kept with other slow-moving varieties they should get plenty to eat and do well. Many of the elongated goldfish varieties like the the Common Goldfish, Comet Goldfish, the Shubunkin, are not really good companions for the Pearlscale Goldfish because they are fast swimmers and too competitive during feeding time.

   Good tank mates would be similarly shaped goldfish that are also slower swimmers such as the Fantail Goldfish, Ryukin Goldfish, and the Black Moor Goldfish. These goldfish varieties all tolerate temperatures a few degrees above freezing, as long as the cooling drops only a few degrees a day. Their hardiness and ability to live at colder temperatures makes them ideal for outdoor ponds. Like the Black Moor Goldfish however, the Pearscale Goldfish can be easily damaged. Its scales can fall off with rough handling or by sharp objects. If you wish to keep it in a pond, make sure the environment is safe. In a warmer, well maintained tank, even the less hardy Water-Bubble Eye Goldfish, Telescope Goldfish, and Celestial Eye Goldfish can be good companions.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Goldfish, a wild carp originally known by such names as the Crucian Carp, Gibel Carp, or Golden Carp, was described by Linnaeus in 1758. They originated in Asia; Central Asia and China. Today domesticated goldfish are distributed world-wide. These fish inhabit the slow moving and stagnant waters of rivers, lakes, ponds, and ditches feeding on plants, detritus, small crustaceans, and insects.
   In the early 1600's these fish were exported first to Japan and then to Europe and were developed into the wonderful colors and forms of gold fish we see today. The Pearlscale Goldfish is one of the newer varieties of fancy goldfish, with the first known mentioning of them from the early 20th century. They first appeared in 1900, having been largely developed in England. Today there are more than 125 captive bred fancy goldfish varieties.

Status:
   This species is not listed on the IUCN Red List, and presumably there are no wild populations of this captive bred variety.

Description:
   The Pearlscale Goldfish is an egg-shaped variety of goldfish. The body is short, stubby, and compact . It has a straight back and swollen belly, resembling a golfball, and is usually twin tailed. It has rows of distinct scales with raised centers and dark perimeters.
   Pearlscale Goldfish can be found in all kinds of colors including red, blue, black, calico, chocolate, and red/white combinations. A variation of the common pearlscale is the Crown Pearlscale Goldfish or Hamanishiki Crown Pearlscale, which develops a hood or head growth similar to that seen on the Oranda Goldfish.

Size - Weight:
   Pearlscale Goldfish will generally reach about 4 inches (10 cm), though some hobbyist report their Pearlscale's growing much larger.

Care and feeding:
   Since they are omnivorous, the Pearlscale Goldfish will generally eat all kinds of fresh, frozen, and flake foods. To care for your Pearlscale Goldfish, keep a good balance by giving them a high quality flake food everyday. Because of the unusual body shape, the pearlscale is more susceptible to swim bladder disease and constipation. It is suggested that any pellets or flake food be soaked thoroughly before feeding to prevent swelling in the stomach. It has also been suggested that deshelled peas in the diet at least once a week will prevent and treat constipation. Feed brine shrimp (either live or frozen), blood worms, Daphnia, or tubifex worms as a treat. Other vegetables like cucumber and lettuce are acceptable as well. It is usually better to feed soaked freeze-dried foods as opposed to live foods to avoid parasites and bacterial infections that could be present in live foods.
   Pearlscale Goldfish are some of the hardier species of goldfish. They are very undemanding of water quality and temperature. However they can be easily damaged, knocking off their scales with rough handling or by sharp objects in their environment. Be careful when netting these fish, when they loose a 'pearl' scales it will only grow back as a regular scale. Some hobbyists suggest providing additional calcium in their tank may help prevent the lose of these scales, but that it is not yet documented.
   Many people try to keep goldfish in small one or two gallon bowls with no heater or filtration. But for the best success in keeping goldfish, provide them the same filtration, especially biological filtration, that other aquarium residents enjoy. The shape and size of the aquarium is important and depends upon the number of fish you are going to keep. Goldfish need a lot of oxygen and produce a lot of waste.

• A large surface area of water will help minimize goldfish suffering from an oxygen shortage. Surface area is determined by the shape of the tank. For the same volume of water, an elongated tank offers more surface area (and oxygen) than a tall tank. In a fish bowl, filling the bowl to the middle offers more surface area (and oxygen) than filling the bowl to the top. Always provide the maximum amount of surface area.
• Providing a large amount of water per fish will help dilute the amount of waste and reduce the number of water changes needed.
• A general rule of thumb for young fish only is: 1 inch of fish (2.54 cm) per 1 gallon of water. This rule applies only to young fish and is not adequate as they grow. Larger gold fish consume much more oxygen than young fish so maintaining this formula for growing fish will stunt them, and can contribute to disease and even death.
• Keep the tank size and shape in mind when you are buying your fish. To allow for growth, either buy fewer fish than the maximum number of fish (based on the above formula) or be prepared to get a larger tank.

   Because goldfish produce a lot of waste, good filtration is very helpful in maintaining the water quality of the aquarium. Regular weekly water changes of 1/4 to 1/3 is strongly recommended to keep these fish healthy.
   Use a gravel substrate. You can add some decor but keep in mind that its scales can be knocked off with poor handling or by contact with rough objects in its environment. Make sure that all ornamentation is smooth with no protruding points or sharp edges. Plants are a great choice, either live or artificial, and silk plants are safer than plastic ones. Other decor, such as smooth rocks or driftwood can also be provided. A cover for the tank is desirable as it reduces evaporation and though they are not prone to jumping, on occasion some gold fish will jump out. Most aquariums come with a cover that includes lighting. It is not essential for goldfish, but will help if you have live plants.
   Goldfish are subject to the same diseases as tropical fish. A couple of the more common problems are Ich, Swim Bladder disease, and external parasites including flukes, lice and anchor worms. To learn about these and other diseases and how to treat them see: Aquarim Fish Diseases & Treatments.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   The Pearlscale Goldfish are one of the hardier varieties of goldfish and can tolerate living in cold temperatures, as long as the cooling drops only a few degrees a day. A quick temperature drop can kill them, so if you live in a very cold climate a heater is advisable.
   Temp: Goldfish are a cold water fish and will do best at temperatures between 65 - 72° F (18°- 22° C)
   Hardness: 5 - 19° dGH
   Ph: 6.0 to 8.0

Social Behaviors:
   Goldfish are very social animals and thrive in a community. Not only are they a great community fish but they are great scavengers as well. Along with the other egg-shaped goldfish like the Fantail Goldfish, Ryukin Goldfish, and the Black Moor Goldfish, the Pearlscale Goldfish are slow swimmers. They cannot vigorously compete for food with fast swimming types of goldfish like the the Common Goldfish, Comet Goldfish, the Shubunkin, so may not fare well if housed with them, but they will do well housed together. It is really not necessary to add other scavengers or other bottom feeders to the aquarium when you have goldfish.

Sexual Differences:
   Although is it impossible to sex goldfish when they are young and not in breeding season, the male is usually smaller and more slender that the female. In the breeding season the male has white prickles, called breeding tubercles, on its gill covers and head. Seen from above the female will have a fatter appearance as she is carrying eggs. See pictures and more information about sexing at Bristol Aquarists.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Pearlscale goldfish are egg layers that spawn readily in the right conditions. See Breeding Freshwater Fish - Goldfish for more information on breeding Goldfish.

Buy Crown Pearlscale Goldfish From LiveAquaria.com

Availability:
   The Pearscale Goldfish is readily available and is inexpensive. Another type of pearlscale called the Crown Pearlscale has the iridescent scales like the pearlscale, but also has the crown atop its head like the oranda golfish. The Crown Pearlscale is sometimes available and can be expensive.

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Latest Comments
I have two adorable little pearlscales, they are about 1 1/2 inches long including their tails. At first, I kept them in my large 260litre(UK) tank with my larger orandas, but they seemed to be struggling somehow. I moved them into a smaller tank (60 litres) and they seem much happier. I think perhaps the water pressure in the big tank was too much for them. Only thing is, it meant I had to go out and buy yet ANOTHER 60 litre tank to have on standby as a hospital tank, lol! Costly experience! Never mind, they are well worth the expense and at least I know if any of my fish get sick, they have a 'hospital' ready for them! wishes4fishes 2008-12-14
I got a Pearlscale Goldfish yesterday & named it Mr. Bubblebutt. I love it & think it's so cute! I'm feeding her flakes and I have dried bloodworms & shrimp pellets that I'll give her sometimes too. I love their personality. How they just wiggle in the fish bowl. I read on here that peas are good for them, so I'll give some to her once a week. I plan on taking good care of him & having him for a long time. Danii 2008-06-15
I just got two baby pearlscale goldfish yesterday. Both are solid bright orange. They are adorable. I love how they wobble around in the water. I plan on taking great care to keep them from developing bladder problems. I hear sinking food pellets are the way to go. As well as canned peas as a treat. I am so happy to see them swimming around. They are also very responsive to me when I get close to the tank. They love feeding time! James 2008-05-03
I got a Pearlscale Goldfish today! She's pretty. Orange and white. Her name is Pearla. She's so cute. She swims around. I love the Pearlscale Goldfish. I'm going to enjoy her. kathy 2007-12-07
I've had Pearlscale Goldfish before. I think they are neat. Right now I don't have one, but I would like to get another one soon. kathy 2007-11-26
Some of the coolest comments:
I have 2 pearlscales, Delilah and Kallie. They are so adorable. Delilah is a red and white crowned and Kallie is calico. Deli is about 3 inches long with long beautiful flowing fins. I've had her for over a year and she was about 1" long when I bought her. The bigger she gets, the more golfball-shaped she gets. I just got Kallie a couple weeks ago. She is a little baby, not much bigger than a small bouncy ball. She wobbles when she swims which I find absolutely adorable. I don't know if she is crowned or not but she has short fins (a characteristic of the non-crowned variety). They are some of my favorite fish in my tank (they live in a 90 gal with 7 other fancies) because they are unusual looking and very elegant. Make sure you either soak their food for about 5 minutes before you give it to them or feed them sinking pellets. Because of their shape, they are prone to SBD. Feeding peas about 3 times a week (with covering of pea removed) is also good for goldfish so they don't get swim bladder disease. Emily 2007-12-07

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Author: David Brough. CFS.