No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Pearlscale Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cypriniformes›Cyprinidae
Variety of Common Goldfish · Pearlscale
📍 China (captive-developed)
Spherical fancy goldfish with domed, nacre-like scales that resemble pearls. The distinctive ball-shaped body limits swimming ability. Comes in many colours including calico, red, and white. A showpiece goldfish.
Care Guide
Diet
Pearlscales are omnivores requiring a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, vegetable matter, and occasional protein sources. Feed small amounts once daily, adjusting portions so food is consumed within 2-3 minutes. Include blanched peas, spinach, and algae-based foods weekly to support digestive health and reduce constipation, a common issue in fancy goldfish.
Behavior
Pearlscales are slow, deliberate swimmers due to their spherical body shape and should not be housed with fast, aggressive species. They are peaceful and social, often interacting with tank mates and owners during feeding times. Their limited mobility makes them vulnerable, so they require calm tank environments with gentle water flow and plenty of resting areas.
Breeding
Breeding Pearlscales in captivity is difficult and rarely successful in home aquariums due to their body shape, which can cause reproductive complications. Spawning requires cooler water temperatures (16-18°C) and abundant live plants, but even under ideal conditions, fry survival rates are low. Most Pearlscales available in the hobby are commercially bred in Asia under specialized conditions.
Tank Mates
Same species group with similar water requirements, temperament, and swimming ability
Peaceful scavenger that won't compete aggressively and helps maintain water quality
Slow-moving snail compatible with goldfish; may be eaten but generally safe in established tanks
Hardy snail that won't reproduce uncontrollably and provides algae control without competing for food
Common Diseases
Constipation
Lethargy, loss of appetite, floating or sinking abnormally, swollen abdomen
Increase water temperature to 24-26°C, feed blanched peas and fibrous vegetables, perform 25% water changes every 2-3 days, avoid overfeeding
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, excessive scratching against objects, rapid breathing
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C over 48 hours, treat with aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per gallon) or ich-specific medication; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 50% water change, improve water quality through regular maintenance, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration
Dropsy
Severe bloating, scales standing on end (pinecone appearance), lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate fish immediately, increase water temperature to 26-28°C, perform frequent water changes, treat with antibiotics; prognosis is often poor
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Pearlscale Goldfish to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Varieties
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 6 inches
- minTankSize
- 20 gallons
- temperature
- 50–72°F (10–22°C)
Temperature
50–72°F
10–22°C