The Pearlscale is one of the most unusual goldfish varieties in existence, and definitely takes some getting used-to. The distinguishing characteristic of this fish is the raised scale, which gives the appearance of a pearl, hence the name.
The Pearlscale possesses a stout, rounded body, smallish dorsal fin, and double pectoral, anal, and caudal fins. The body of the fish is among the most rounded, and therefore, compact of any of the goldfish varieties. In some instances, the body is so rounded as to appear to be ball-shaped. Some people think that these fish look like a golfball with fins attached! The compact body shape makes these fish extremely susceptible to swim bladder problems.
The caudal fish of these fish is usually well-developed, which, when combined with the round body, gives these fish an unusual swimming motion, and makes them look as if they were waddling in the water. A new variety (within the last twenty years) from China has very short dorsal, anal, pectoral and caudal fins, and further impairs the swimming motion of the fish.
As mentioned earlier, the scaling is the characteristic feature of this fish. The scales should be raised, with a bump or excrescence appearing on each individual scale. These excresences are made up of the same material as regular scales, and can be damaged or knocked-off. Scales, once removed, may or may not grow back with the raised protuberance at the base of each scale. In order to be competitive in a judging environment, the scaling should be observed on each individual scale of the fish, without the fish having missing scales. It is important that the scales continue from the belly, through the sides and onto the back area of the fish, right up to the dorsal fin.
Despite the rounded body of the fish, the Pearlscale is not large, in terms of the body length. Most examples are five to six inches in length; the girth of the fish makes it appear much larger than it actually is. Having said this, filtration requirements for most aquaria are expressed in terms of fish load, which is best expressed as a function of the mass of the fish.
Care should be taken when raising Pearlscale that the additional mass of the fish is considered when developing filtration requirements for the aquarium.
The Pearlscale possesses a stout, rounded body, smallish dorsal fin, and double pectoral, anal, and caudal fins. The body of the fish is among the most rounded, and therefore, compact of any of the goldfish varieties. In some instances, the body is so rounded as to appear to be ball-shaped. Some people think that these fish look like a golfball with fins attached! The compact body shape makes these fish extremely susceptible to swim bladder problems.
The caudal fish of these fish is usually well-developed, which, when combined with the round body, gives these fish an unusual swimming motion, and makes them look as if they were waddling in the water. A new variety (within the last twenty years) from China has very short dorsal, anal, pectoral and caudal fins, and further impairs the swimming motion of the fish.
As mentioned earlier, the scaling is the characteristic feature of this fish. The scales should be raised, with a bump or excrescence appearing on each individual scale. These excresences are made up of the same material as regular scales, and can be damaged or knocked-off. Scales, once removed, may or may not grow back with the raised protuberance at the base of each scale. In order to be competitive in a judging environment, the scaling should be observed on each individual scale of the fish, without the fish having missing scales. It is important that the scales continue from the belly, through the sides and onto the back area of the fish, right up to the dorsal fin.
Despite the rounded body of the fish, the Pearlscale is not large, in terms of the body length. Most examples are five to six inches in length; the girth of the fish makes it appear much larger than it actually is. Having said this, filtration requirements for most aquaria are expressed in terms of fish load, which is best expressed as a function of the mass of the fish.
Care should be taken when raising Pearlscale that the additional mass of the fish is considered when developing filtration requirements for the aquarium.
How to identify a pearlscale goldfish
- Identify a pearlscale goldfish by its compact, egg-shaped body and its belly that is reminiscent of a golf ball. This fish grows to over 4 inches in length.
- Note the metallic, pearly sheen of the thick, domelike scales, which look like little, pale pearls arranged in distinctive rows all over the short, rounded body.
- Take into account the coloration, which, among different specimens, commonly ranges from white to calico as well as red and white combinations.
- Confirm that it has a single dorsal fin along with double caudal and anal fins. The ends of the fins have a somewhat rounded profile. The male pearlscale develops white tubercles on its gill covers and on the leading rays of its pectoral fins.
How to differentiate Male and Female Pearlscale
The following are some methods that can be used to recognize the sexes but even these are useless unless the fish are at least a year old, i.e., have attained sexual maturity.
1. Midline ridge: male goldfish have a ridge running through the back of pelvic fins to their vent opening on the underside. The ridge is either completely missing or smaller in females.
2. Firmness of abdomen: The area between pelvic and anal fins is pliable for females but very firm for males.
3. Shape of the vent: Though difficult to figure out, the female vent is rounder and convex, whereas the male vent is thinner and concave.
4. Shape of the pectoral fins: Male pectoral fins are pointed with stiffer leading ray and female pectorals are rounded, shorter with finer front fin ray.
5. Features: females are brighter colored and are more active. This could be a difficult way of pointing out a female but you could try!
6. Check out: One theory says that you can introduce a known female into the tank and watch for the reaction of fish. Males will check out the new fish but the females will show no interest!
The only way you can learn to spot male and female goldfish is by closely observing known males and females and noticing their various traits. A pet shop could be a nice place to learn this.
During spawning season it will be easier because the male will follow and nudge the female relentlessly sometimes even bruising and injuring the female. Finally, it's only your experience that will give you any degree of confidence in judging the sexes by looking at them in a tank. Difficult but definitely not impossible!
1. Midline ridge: male goldfish have a ridge running through the back of pelvic fins to their vent opening on the underside. The ridge is either completely missing or smaller in females.
2. Firmness of abdomen: The area between pelvic and anal fins is pliable for females but very firm for males.
3. Shape of the vent: Though difficult to figure out, the female vent is rounder and convex, whereas the male vent is thinner and concave.
4. Shape of the pectoral fins: Male pectoral fins are pointed with stiffer leading ray and female pectorals are rounded, shorter with finer front fin ray.
5. Features: females are brighter colored and are more active. This could be a difficult way of pointing out a female but you could try!
6. Check out: One theory says that you can introduce a known female into the tank and watch for the reaction of fish. Males will check out the new fish but the females will show no interest!
The only way you can learn to spot male and female goldfish is by closely observing known males and females and noticing their various traits. A pet shop could be a nice place to learn this.
During spawning season it will be easier because the male will follow and nudge the female relentlessly sometimes even bruising and injuring the female. Finally, it's only your experience that will give you any degree of confidence in judging the sexes by looking at them in a tank. Difficult but definitely not impossible!