How to Care for Pearlscale Goldfish

Float the bag containing your new fish in the aquarium for half an hour before releasing.

Pearlscale goldfish are round-bodied, decorative fish from the carp family. The name stems from the fact that the scales of this goldfish have a hardened, raised area in the center, typically white, which resembles a pearl. Like other varieties of goldfish, pearlscales are fairly easy to care for, but they have some peculiarities that require special attention. Their body shape makes them susceptible to constipation and swim bladder problems, and they may lose their attractive scales if handled roughly. Pearlscale goldfish generally grow to about 4 inches in diameter, so they do best in aquariums that are 10 gallons or larger.

Things You'll Need

• Food (soaked pellets or flakes, lettuce)
• Frozen peas
• Commercial dechlorination product

Instructions

1. Feed the fish daily with about 1/2 tsp. soaked pellets or flakes, or lettuce. After about five minutes, scoop out any uneaten food, as this can decompose and pollute the aquarium. If there is much left over for several days, try decreasing the amount. If all the food is eaten quickly, consider raising the amount slightly.

2. Change one quarter to one third of the aquarium water each week. Set new water aside for 24 hours or treat it with a dechlorination product before pouring it into the aquarium.

3. Observe the fish at least daily for signs of disease or other ill health. If the goldfish seems to have trouble swimming upright, it may have swim bladder disorder, which is a common ailment for this type of goldfish. If this happens, feed the fish frozen peas (thaw first), which will help open up the digestive tract and ease pressure on the swim bladder.

Tips & Warnings

• When feeding with dry pellets or flakes, be sure to soak them first to discourage constipation.

• Feeding shelled peas to pearlscale goldfish once a week may help to avoid or relieve constipation.

• Pearlscales get along well with most other goldfish, but sleeker, faster varieties such as comets or shubunkin may take all the food.

• Avoid rough handling of the pearlscale goldfish, as they lose their unique scales easily.

• Avoid sudden drops in temperature, as this can kill the fish.

• If raising pearlscale goldfish in a pond, remember that they are slow-moving and susceptible to predators such as raccoons and herons.

References

• Aquatic Community: Pearlscale Goldfish
• Exotic Goldfish: Pearlscale Goldfish
• Animal World: Pearlscale Goldfish
• All About Aquarium Fish: Swim Bladder Disorder