Introduction
The pearlscale goldfish, a captivating and distinctive variety within the goldfish family, has won the hearts of fish enthusiasts worldwide with its unique appearance and endearing charm. Renowned for their spherical bodies and pearl – like scales, these fish stand out as living jewels in any aquarium or pond.
 
Physical Characteristics
Body Shape
The most striking feature of the pearlscale goldfish is its egg – shaped body, which is short, compact, and often compared to a golf ball. This round body gives them an adorable and somewhat chubby look. Their bellies are swollen, and their backs are straight, creating a balanced and unique silhouette. In contrast to many other fish species with streamlined bodies for efficient swimming, the pearlscale’s body shape is more about aesthetics, making them a visual delight.
Scales
The scales of the pearlscale goldfish are truly a marvel. Each scale is domed, with a raised center and a darker perimeter, resembling a tiny pearl. These scales are not only beautiful but also have a somewhat harder texture compared to the regular scales of other goldfish varieties, as they contain more calcium. The scales are arranged in neat rows all over the body, with the most prominent display typically on the fish’s sides and belly. However, their delicate nature means that they can be easily knocked off by rough handling or contact with sharp objects in their environment, and once lost, the new scales that grow back may not have the same pearl – like appearance.
Fins
Pearlscale goldfish can have either long or short fins. Their dorsal fin is single, while all other fins – the pectoral, pelvic, anal, and caudal fins – are paired. The caudal fin is divided and forked, often held above the horizontal, adding to the fish’s elegance as it swims. The length and shape of the fins can vary depending on the specific variety of pearlscale goldfish. For example, in some long – finned varieties, the fins flow gracefully behind the fish, enhancing its overall beauty and giving it a more regal appearance.
Color Variations
These goldfish come in a wide array of colors, adding to their allure. Common colorations include red, blue, black, calico (a mix of multiple colors), chocolate, and red – white combinations. Metallic – colored pearlscales can have a burnished metal look, with the color extending into the fins. Calico pearlscales, on the other hand, have a blue background adorned with patches of violet, red, orange, yellow, and brown, often spotted with black. There is also a variation known as the crown pearlscale goldfish, which develops a hood or head growth similar to that seen on the oranda goldfish, and these can come in various colors as well.
Origin and Development
The pearlscale goldfish is a relatively new addition to the fancy goldfish family. The first known mention of them dates back to the early 20th century, and they first appeared in 1900. They were largely developed in England, although the goldfish as a whole have a long and rich history that traces back to Asia. Goldfish are descendants of a species of wild carp, likely the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio). They were originally developed in China, and by the 1500s, they were traded to Japan. They arrived in Europe in the 1600s and in America in the 1800s. The pearlscale variety, through selective breeding over the years, has developed into the unique and beloved fish we know today.
Varieties of Pearlscale Goldfish
Crown Pearlscale Goldfish
The crown pearlscale goldfish is one of the most popular variations. It has a hood or head growth that is similar to that of the oranda goldfish. This head growth can be quite prominent, giving the fish a regal and elegant appearance, as if it is wearing a crown. The body of the crown pearlscale still retains the characteristic round shape and pearl – like scales of the pearlscale goldfish. Some crown pearlscales have a single, smooth – looking head growth, while others may have a more divided or lobed head growth, adding to the variety within this sub – type.
Rat – Head Pearlscale Goldfish (not as common but a distinct type)
The rat – head pearlscale goldfish has a head shape that is somewhat elongated and pointed compared to the more rounded heads of other pearlscale varieties, resembling the head of a rat. Despite the different head shape, it still has the characteristic round body and pearl – like scales. This unique head shape gives it a different look from the more common pearlscale goldfish varieties and is favored by some collectors who are looking for something a bit more unusual in their aquariums.
Other Variations
In addition to the crown and rat – head varieties, there are also different color – based sub – varieties of pearlscale goldfish. For example, the red pearlscale has a vibrant red color all over its body, with the pearl – like scales standing out even more against the bright red backdrop. The blue pearlscale has a beautiful blue hue, which can range from a liiful blue hue, which can range from a light, sky – blue to a deeper, more intense blue. The calico pearlscale, with its multi – colored patches, creates a stunning and eye – catching display in the aquarium. Each of these color – based variations has its own charm and is sought after by different fish enthusiasts depending on their personal preferences.
Care and Maintenance
Tank Requirements
Pearlscale goldfish can be kept in aquariums or outdoor ponds. For aquariums, a minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a single fish, but if you plan to keep more than one, you should increase the tank size accordingly. They prefer well – maintained tanks with clean water. Regular water changes, about 1/4 to 1/3 of the water volume weekly, are essential to keep the water quality high. Goldfish produce more waste than many other freshwater fish, so good filtration, especially biological filtration, is crucial. The tank should also be decorated with smooth – surfaced objects to prevent the fish from scraping off their delicate scales.
Water Conditions
These fish are relatively hardy when it comes to water temperature and can tolerate a range from 65.0 to 72.0 °F (18.3 to 22.2 °C). However, they are sensitive to sudden temperature changes. They are also sensitive to pH changes and do best in a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range. It’s important to avoid exposing them to water with high acidity or alkalinity for long periods.
Diet
Pearlscale goldfish are omnivorous. They will eat a variety of foods, including fresh, frozen, and flake foods. A balanced diet is key to their health. High – quality flake food can be given as a staple, and they can also be treated to brine shrimp (live or frozen), bloodworms, daphnia, or tubifex worms. Vegetables like cucumber and lettuce can also be offered. Since they are slow eaters, it’s important to ensure that they are not outcompeted for food by faster – swimming tank mates. Additionally, due to their unusual body shape, they are more susceptible to swim bladder disease and constipation. So, any pellets or flake foods should be soaked thoroughly before feeding to prevent swelling in the stomach, and some aquarists recommend adding deshelled peas to their diet at least once a week to prevent and treat constipation.
Breeding
Pearlscale goldfish are egg – layers and will spawn readily in the right conditions. They can be bred in groups, with a group as small as 5 fish potentially breeding successfully, but they are social fish and may breed more effectively in larger groups. However, due to their delicate scales and the risk of injury during natural spawning, some breeders may choose to employ the hand – spawning method. A mature female can produce up to 10,000 eggs per spawning. After spawning, it’s important to separate the adults from the eggs to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs usually hatch within a few days, and the fry will require special care, including appropriate food (such as infusoria or very fine – textured fry food) as they grow.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a pearlscale goldfish is 10 – 15 years. However, with proper care, including a suitable environment, a balanced diet, and good water quality, they can live up to 20 years or more. Some well – maintained goldfish aquariums and ponds have been known to house pearlscale goldfish that have reached this advanced age, demonstrating the importance of providing the right conditions for these charming fish to thrive.
In conclusion, the pearlscale goldfish is a truly fascinating and beautiful addition to any aquatic collection. Whether you are a beginner fish keeper or an experienced aquarist, these fish are sure to bring joy and a touch of elegance to your aquarium or pond. Their unique appearance, combined with their relatively easy – to – manage care requirements, makes them a popular choice among fish enthusiasts around the world.
