Pearlscale

Carassius auratus

Also known as: Pearlscale goldfish, Ping pong goldfish, Golf ball pearlscale

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 18–24°C
• pH: 7–8.4
• Hardness (GH): 89–357 ppm (5–20 dGH)

Values above are general hardness (GH). For carbonate hardness (KH), the buffer that keeps pH stable, see the water parameters guide.

Care Summary

An unmistakable fancy goldfish shaped like a golf ball, the pearlscale has a short, almost spherical body studded with raised, dome-shaped scales, each with a hard, calcium-rich, pearl-like centre. The extreme round body is the whole character of the fish and also its weakness: it is a slow, ungainly swimmer, highly prone to swim bladder and buoyancy problems, and its distinctive scales are brittle and do not grow back pearled once lost. That makes it one of the more delicate goldfish, best suited to an experienced keeper who can provide warm, pristine, stable water, smooth decor, a sinking and easily-digested diet, and only slow, gentle fancy tankmates. Reaching 12 to 15cm, and sold in the extra-round 'ping-pong' or 'golf ball' form as well as high-finned crowns, it is a charming oddity, rewarding but demanding.

Tankmates

One of the more delicate fancies, the pearlscale has a rounded, golf-ball body that makes it a slow, awkward swimmer, so it must be kept only with other slow fancies (ranchu, black moors, bubble eyes) and never with single-tailed goldfish or faster fancies that would outcompete it. Its raised, dome-shaped scales are fragile and do not regrow in the same pearled form once knocked off, so smooth decor and gentle handling are essential. Its compressed body also makes it very prone to swim bladder trouble, favouring warm, stable water and a sinking diet. Small fish and shrimp are unsuitable, and pristine, well-filtered water is a must.

Compatible with

• Ranchu
• Black Moor
• Bubble Eye

Avoid keeping with

• Common Goldfish
• Comet Goldfish
• Shubunkin
• Fantail Goldfish
• Ryukin
• Cherry Shrimp
• Tropical Warm Water Species

Common Problems

• swim bladder and buoyancy problems from its round body
• brittle pearl scales that do not regrow once lost
• being outcompeted by faster goldfish
• sensitivity to cool or unstable water

Sources: seriouslyfish.com, fishbase.org · Last updated: 2026-06-20