How to Identify and Care for Pearlscale Fish

Pearlscale fish (Carassius auratus) are an increasingly popular type of fancy goldfish among aquarists and collectors. Also known as golden carp, the pearlscale goldfish is a man-made cultivar that belongs to the Cyprinidae family. Their hardy nature and suitability for living in cold temperatures make them ideal pet fish. Furthermore, they thrive in a community tank. Read on to learn how to identify and care for pearlscales.

Things You'll Need

  • 36-gallon tank Aquarium heater Tank filter Pump (optional) Basic test kits Tropical fish food
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Instructions

  1. How to Identify Pearlscale Goldfish

    • 1

      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.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      Take into account the coloration, which, among different specimens, commonly ranges from white to calico as well as red and white combinations.

    • 4

      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 Care for Pearlscale Goldfish

    • 5

      Purchase a 36-gallon fish tank (or larger) for your pearlscale. Select a fish tank that provides as much surface area as possible.

    • 6

      Clean the tank and fill it with room temperature water. Before you put in your new fish, let the tank water sit for about 24 hours. Every week, change 1/3 of the tank water to maintain the water quality.

    • 7

      Install your filter and heater in the aquarium. Set the heater at 64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 22 degrees Celsius).

    • 8

      Use the test kit to maintain water conditions at a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 and a dH range of 5 to 19.

    • 9

      Spread gravel in the bottom of the tank. Select gravel that does not have any sharp edges, because this fish's scales are easily damaged and vulnerable to falling off when they come in contact with sharp objects or are handled roughly.

    • 10

      Provide your pearlscale goldfish with some company. They are compatible with other slow-swimming fish such as the blackmoor goldfish, fantail goldfish and fellow pearlscales.

    Feeding Your Pearlscale Goldfish

    • 11

      Feed your pearlscale fish high-quality fish pellets and flakes. This fish is prone to suffer from constipation, so it is recommended that you soak this type of food thoroughly before feeding it to the fish.

    • 12

      Provide your pearlscale fish with unshelled peas once a week to help relieve and prevent constipation.

    • 13

      Substitute fresh, live or frozen blood worms; brine shrimp; tubifex worms; and/or daphnia for fish flakes and pellets. Lettuce, cucumber and other vegetables are also healthy choices for this omnivorous fish.