Pearl Scale Ping Pong 7cm

Pearl Scale Ping Pong

The pearl scale goldfish is one of the most recognisable and classic fancy goldfish strains available in the aquarium hobby. These round, almost comical fish truly capture the attention of everyone, aquarist or not, and whilst they are not the best beginner fish, they will make for a great pet in a well-maintained environment. These are actually a slightly challenging fish to keep; their body shape presents some limitations that need to be considered with their diet, environment, and general care. Which is another reason why the pearl scale goldfish will be an engaging fish to keep.

Pearl scale goldfish are also commonly known as ping pong goldfish. The reason they get this name cannot be any more obvious, as it really looks like they have swallowed a ping pong or golf ball. The pearl scale aspect of this name comes from the patterning or bumps in the scales. The other unique aspect of this strain is the lack of selective scales they have. Most goldfish strains are known for the metallic shimmering scales, whereas pearl scale goldfish have a matte wrap look on the body. Their incredibly spherical body, compact tail, and short fins give them quite a unique swimming pattern. The other great benefit of these fish is that each individual has different colours, but the dominant colour is orange complemented with whites, blacks, greys, and reds.

Whilst goldfish are cold water tolerant and can be kept in outdoor ponds, it is better to keep pearl scale goldfish indoors. These fish are not the best swimmers and are bred in tropical countries. They may not be able to hide swiftly from predators outdoors or even tolerate the near-freezing temperatures that comet goldfish can live in. Breeding these fish in captivity, however, is possible. Sexing these goldfish is a difficult task, but once males and females reach maturity, they can show some chasing behaviours. Females may also appear to be larger when filled with eggs and have clear cheek plates, whereas males tend to develop star-shaped bumps.

Tank Recommendations for Assorted Pearl Scale Goldfish

The pearl scale goldfish can get fairly big at 15 cm both in length and height, meaning that an individual fish would need a minimum volume of 120 litres. A larger aquarium is always better because what is better than one personable and adorable pearl scale goldfish? Two pearl scale goldfish, of course!

The thing to note, however, with pearl scale goldfish is that, due to their round body and short fins, they are actually not the best swimmers, so a slower flow is better. A sand substrate is good as these fish will sift through the substrate in search of food; however, they can thrive in a bare-bottom system. Smooth river stones can be added for further decoration; however, sharp materials should be avoided in the aquarium, like pointy driftwood, as pearl scale goldfish can easily get injured by them.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Pearl scale goldfish are a great fish as they are not aggressive in the slightest and can be kept with tank mates. Common tank mates they can be kept with are active and small fish. The goldfish, however, might eat fry produced by smaller tank mates; however, they will be perfectly fine with adults. Fin-nipping species, however, should be avoided entirely as they will make short work of the slow-moving pearl scale goldfish.

Usually Compatible

Medaka ricefish, paradise fish, giant danios, zebra danio, White Cloud Mountain minnows.

Sometimes Compatible

Species which can be fin nippers, like rosy barbs, and also tropical species such as tetras, dwarf cichlids, mollies, and species of a similar sort.

Rarely Compatible

Larger cichlids and fish which have a mouth large such as oscars, jaguar cichlids, and shrimp, should also be avoided, as pearl scale goldfish would eat shrimp in an instant.

Feeding your Assorted Pearl Scale Goldfish

Feeding assorted pearl scale goldfish should be a breeze; they should immediately take to any aquarium food practically in 24 hours of being added to their new home. Having other goldfish as well will really boost their confidence during feeding time. Slow-sinking foods would be best, as these rounder strains have been known to, at times, get swim bladder issues after frantically gulping for food at the surface. Good quality pellets or flakes, which are rich in algae or spirulina content, are best suited to suit their herbivorous diet.