About Pearlscale Goldfish

The Pearlscale Goldfish is named for its distinctive round body covered in raised, pearl-like scales that create a unique texture resembling a golf ball. This fancy goldfish variety has a deep, globular body that makes it one of the most unusual-looking goldfish. The pearlscale pattern develops as the fish matures, with the characteristic domed scales becoming more pronounced with age. They are peaceful, slow swimmers that should be kept with other gentle goldfish varieties to prevent food competition.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Pearlscale Goldfish need adequate space for their rounded bodies and special considerations for their unique scale structure.

Essential Setup:

  • 20 gallons minimum for one fish
  • 10 gallons per additional fish
  • No sharp decorations (protect scales)
  • Smooth substrate
  • Moderate filtration (gentle flow)
  • Temperature 65-75°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) - coldwater
  • pH: 7.0-8.4 (slightly alkaline preferred)
  • Water Hardness: Moderate (8-20 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <40 ppm

These fish produce significant waste. Excellent filtration and weekly water changes are essential.

Feeding

Pearlscales are prone to swim bladder issues due to their body shape:

  • Sinking pellets: Prevent air swallowing
  • Blanched vegetables: Peas, spinach, zucchini (fiber prevents constipation)
  • Soak flakes: Before feeding to prevent floating
  • Small meals: 2-3 times daily, small amounts

Preventing Swim Bladder Issues:

  • Use sinking food exclusively
  • Fast one day per week
  • Feed vegetables regularly
  • Avoid floating pellets

The Pearlscale Scales

  • Development: Pearls develop with age
  • Texture: Raised, bead-like scales
  • Vulnerability: Can be damaged by rough handling
  • Aging: Scales may lose pearling in very old fish
  • Unique: Each fish has different pearl patterns

Behavior & Compatibility

Slow, peaceful fish that need appropriate tank mates:

  • Other fancy goldfish: Oranda, Ranchu, Fantail
  • Bottom feeders: Dojo Loach (gentle)
  • Avoid: Single-tail varieties, fast swimmers

Never House With:

  • Common or Comet goldfish (too fast)
  • Tropical fish (temperature mismatch)
  • Fin nippers
  • Aggressive bottom feeders

Health Concerns

Special health issues due to body shape:

  • Swim bladder disorder: Very common
  • Scale damage: Vulnerable to rough objects
  • Egg impaction: Females may become egg-bound
  • Bacterial infections: Due to body shape stress

Common Health Issues

  1. Swim bladder: Most common problem - feed peas, use sinking food
  2. Scale loss: Usually from injury or poor water
  3. Dropsy: Bloating with raised scales - poor prognosis
  4. Fin rot: Bacterial infection from poor water

Maintenance Schedule

  • Water changes: 30-50% weekly
  • Gravel vacuum: Remove uneaten food
  • Filter cleaning: Monthly in tank water
  • Water testing: Weekly for ammonia/nitrite

Breeding

Pearlscales can be bred but require care:

  • Conditioning: Feed live foods before spawning
  • Spawning: Spring usually triggers breeding
  • Eggs: Females may become egg-bound if no males
  • Fry care: Feed infusoria, baby brine shrimp

Tips for Success

  • Always use sinking pellets
  • Feed peas weekly to prevent constipation
  • Keep only with other slow fancy varieties
  • Provide excellent water quality
  • Avoid sharp decorations
  • Monitor for swim bladder issues
  • Handle carefully during maintenance
  • Quarantine new fish to prevent disease

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Other Goldfish
🐠 Dojo Loach 🐠 White Cloud Mountain Minnow 🐠 Bristlenose Pleco