The Japanese pearlscale fish is a real aquatic wonder with a real charm! As a pet shop floor manager for several years, I've had the opportunity to observe these little pearly balls swimming gracefully in our aquariums. Let me introduce you to this interesting ornamental fish in detail and give you a few tips on how to look after it.
Unique characteristics of Japanese pearlscale fish
Le Japanese fish pearlscale is a variety of goldfish with a truly unique appearance. Imagine a small, living, colourful golf ball covered in scales as shiny as pearls! That's exactly what this unusual fish does.
An atypical morphology
The first thing that strikes you about the pearlscale is its round, compact shape. Its egg-shaped body gives it the appearance of a swimming egg! It generally reaches an adult size of 10 to 15 cm, making it a medium-sized fish. Its fins are well developed, with a pair of pectoral, pelvic and anal fins, as well as a single dorsal fin. Its broad, veiled tail gives it a certain elegance when moving through the water.
Unique scales
The real attraction of the pearlscale lies in its rounded, raised scales. They have a pearly appearance reminiscent of tiny pearls, hence the name of this variety. This particular texture gives the fish a precious, luminous appearance that is sure to catch the eye. I must admit I was fascinated the first time I saw one up close!
A varied palette of colours
Pearlscales come in a multitude of shimmering shades. They come in white, red, orange, yellow, black, chocolate and even blue! Some specimens feature particularly attractive two-tone or calico patterns. This chromatic diversity means that everyone can find the fish that best suits their tastes and their aquarium.
Habitat and care of the Japanese pearlscale fish
Now that we've got to know this charming fish, let's see how to give it the best possible living conditions. As a keen aquarist, I can only encourage you to find out as much as you can before adopting a pearlscale.
A suitable aquatic environment
The pearlscale needs space to flourish. Provide an aquarium of at least 50 to 75 litres per fish. Good filtration and sufficient oxygenation are essential for its well-being. Here's a small table summarising the water parameters to be respected:
| Parameter | Ideal value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 17-28°C |
| pH | 7-8 |
| Hardness (GH) | 5-15 |
If you have an outdoor pond, you should know that pearlscales can live there as long as the temperature does not fall below 15°C. Personally, I've already seen pearlscales flourish in pretty, well-appointed garden ponds.
Food and behaviour
The pearlscale is an omnivorous fish with a rather calm temperament. They enjoy the company of other fish, so don't hesitate to have at least two, if possible five or more. When it comes to feeding them, vary the pleasures:
- Specific pellets and flakes for goldfish
- Fresh vegetables (spinach, blanched courgettes)
- Bloodworms, artemia, daphnia (additional)
But be careful not to overfeed them! One meal a day is more than enough. I've sometimes seen over-generous customers end up with overweight fish, which is not ideal for their health.
Special precautions
The scales of the pearlscale, although magnificent, are quite fragile. So avoid decorations that are too rough or abrasive in the aquarium. Instead, opt for soft-leaved plants and smooth pebbles. What's more, these fish can be prone to swim bladder problems. To minimise this risk, sink the food rather than leave it floating on the surface.
The pearlscale, star of aquariums
I can't help but smile when I think back to the first time I presented pearlscales to our customers. Their eyes were wide open at the sight of those little pearly balls with their changing reflections! It has to be said that this Japanese fish has everything to please.
Popular with aquarists, the pearlscale is also highly prized at ornamental fish shows. Its unique, luminous appearance never fails to attract attention. It's a real living gem that adds a touch of originality to any aquarium.
If you decide to adopt a pearlscale, bear in mind that it needs special care. A stable environment, quality water and a balanced diet are the keys to enjoying this charming fish for a long time to come. With the right care, your pearlscale will quickly become the star of your aquarium, to the delight of you and your visitors!
Don't hesitate to find out more about aquaristics and ornamental fish breeding. It's a fascinating field with lots of surprises in store! And who knows, maybe, like me, you'll end up making a career out of it.
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