Pearl scale fish: Care, Tank Mates, Breeding & More

All about pearl scale fish

The pearl scale fish had its first appearance in Japan, then its specimens expanded to China in 1950, and it was there where it was dominated with another name: Chinshurin. There are also other species similar to this one that have the body covered with scales among them stand out: the Ranchu with pearl scales and the orands with pearl scales. This genus has the peculiarity of having a short and globular body which does not allow it to swim easily.

General habitat

It can be said that these fish resemble a veil tail, only in this case the only difference is due to their bulky shape and striking color. It also has scales throughout its belly which are separated and in some areas are raised so you must be very careful. When the escapes are plucked the fish can no longer develop properly so it stays at the size it is in.

Its specimens can be found in cold waters and slow course to avoid being bearish by high currents. It can be said that it is one of the few species that can survive in an outdoor pond and sometimes withstand low temperatures. It is an animal of little vulnerability so it is not advisable for those who start with this hobby.

Fortunately pearl scale fish can be purchased at any pet store. As a result of several experiments you can even find many varieties of species and colors, the only thing that must be borne in mind is that whatever it is, they must have adequate attention to make them live to their 10 years.

Overview of pearl scale fish

The pearl scale fish has a caudal fin that has the appearance of a fork,it also has all the paired fins. Its swimming is slow and its behavior is calm so it can coexist with other fish that are of the same species or others of low visibility so that they do not collide at the time of their swim.

Aquariums for pearl scale fish

The pearl scale fish is a small species that in some cases reaches 20 centimeters in length, especially when you have a large aquarium with a variety of natural vegetation. If to its size we add its body in the form of a ball it can become a very curious Goldfish in terms of its appearance, that is why its care must be constant and precise to prevent it from colliding with an object due to its low visibility.

Fish tanks for pearl scale fish:

The species is characterized by easily adapting to cold water such as telescopes and comets. Therefore, if you like these fish it is recommended to buy a large aquarium preferably round to prevent these animals from colliding with the tips and thus facilitate their swimming. It is necessary to avoid as much as possible to place large or pointed elements in the water since this can cause the fall of their scales.

It should be taken into account that due to the width of their body that develops proportionally, pearl scale fish can reach a large size so it requires a fish tank or large aquarium to be able to develop to their liking. It is recommended that the area where they will live this genus is not too narrow to prevent them from being trapped and injuring their delicate body.

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For this type of animal, you must have 40 or 60 liters of water for each one. So for a fish tank with four specimens inside you need at least 250 liters of water for greater oxygenation. It is important to leave enough free space to facilitate your swimming since after your body it is often difficult to reach your destination, you should also give your food at a short distance so that other fish do not gain advantage.

Aquarium elements

The pearl scale fish is often kept in its habitat to avoid colliding with other fish and objects placed in the aquarium. For your comfort it is better to plant vegetation but not abundantly because this can only hinder your swimming, it is important to avoid pointed elements such as stones, trunks or large artificial leaves.

Types of pearl scale fish

Pearl scale fish can be found in a variety of colors, although in most aquariums you can see the white and orange one. Within this genus there is a sub-nature who turn out to have a calm behavior, for this reason they have been recommended for clear and community aquariums. In addition, it is not convenient for them to live with fish such as kois or kite since they can hurt their scales until they detach.

Types of pearl scale fish

This species grows in the water up to 10 centimeters, when it reaches its normal size it takes the form of a softball. Its swimming is slow because it has a high and well divided caudal fin. Currently, you can find a variety of specimens with intense tones that extend towards their fins, so they must be properly fed and thus maintain a robust appearance.

Within this family there is one more type that is known as hamanishiki that compared to this short and round fish is distinguished by having a protrusion on the head, it is almost similar to the oronda, however the most appreciated is the rounded and smooth of a single fraction as if it were a small balloon. So having this species living in your house means commitment, since it must be given the necessary care it requires, living for many years.

On the other hand there is the crown pearl scale fish who is located in cold waters and slow currents. This does not require as much attention as the pearl scale fish because it only requires a minimum of 40 liters to survive. Being also an omnivore, it needs to be fed with vegetables to strengthen its immune system.

Care for your species

So that the fish of this genus always remain stable it is convenient to provide them with live food, among the most outstanding are: saline Artemis, mosquito larvae, crustaceans, guideds, daphnias, among others. With the contribution of these foods, you will make your small body protected all the time against various diseases.

Baby pearl scale fish

The pearl scale fish requires special care and a healthy diet to strengthen its defenses especially when laying eggs. The advantage of this species is that it can be purchased in a variety of colors, although most people opt for those of white coloration with orange which make it look striking and unique. Depending on the care given, it can live up to 10 years.

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Reproduction of pearl scale fish

This genus reproduces through egg laying. It all starts when more than two males chase the female all the time kicking her in the abdomen until she forces her to lay eggs on top of a plant or on the gravel. Then the males fertilize the laying with their sperm, then look for a nest to prevent other fish of another species from arriving and eating them.

In this case you can also set aside the eggs by taking them to a small aquarium full of plant planting to ensure the birth of the little fish. After laying, you should wait 30 to 48 hours for the fry to hatch, half-time they are born it is necessary to take care of them very well to prevent their scales from falling. In case of happening, rest assured that it will not be able to develop correctly, and its defenses will go down.

It must be taken into account that pearl scale fish swim up to five days after their birth, so the food should be as close as possible. By having a small organism the most advisable thing is to give it at least twice a day its food, in the first days you can give it small portions of egg yolk so that it develops faster.

Tips for breeding

For the breeding to remain strong and healthy it is necessary to change the water at least once a week, in this way the formation of bacteria or pests that can damage the immune system of these animals will be avoided. From there it only remains to be aware that they do not collide with large and pointed elements inside the aquarium.

Feeding the pearl scale fish

For proper development it is important to feed the fish with special products that are loaded with proteins, vitamins and minerals. With a balanced diet the small fish will always remain robust and strong, although this does not mean that with feeding its swimming will be faster. Due to its round body and its various scales, it sometimes lacks visibility, so you have to make sure that it is well fed.

What does pearl scale fish eat?

Pearl scale fish come from the family of omnivores so they adapt easily to all foods, however because of their small mouth they have it is better to opt for mini size pellets when the food is dry so they can catch safely. Although it is not a bad idea to give them at least twice a week peeled and cooked peas so that they do not get bored of the routine and to avoid the development of the swim bladder.

It is necessary to avoid that this species coexists with other fast swimming fish since in addition to hitting it it will take away its food and this can affect its health. The most convenient thing is to wait for him alone or away from the others to introduce the food as close as possible so that he does not swim at a longdistance. Among the foods he eats the most are: Californian worms, shrimp, crustaceans, bloodworms and artemia.

In pet stores you can also buy products especially for fish, which help a more advanced development without requiring a balanced diet. Eye, you must be very careful when opting for these products since not all fish have the same organism or the ability for easy digestion.

How to feed them?

Before feeding the fish make sure that the water is completely clean. When the aquarium is not cleaned frequently, it is likely that bacteria or pests will accumulate that not only affect the small animal but also infect the food, therefore some infection can be generated.

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Pearl scale fish care

Pearl scale fish are within the group of luxury Goldfish, some of this family are usually strong however this time we are talking about a very delicate species since it requires certain attention and care to survive. It is characterized by having a globular and short body so it is not required to keep it in an aquarium too large. It is not recommended for beginners as they could fail in the attempt.

Basic care

As the name implies, it has very sensitive scales throughout its body. When they come off, they will most likely not grow to their normal size, so they should preferably coexist with fish of the same species so that they do not hurt them. If it is manipulated, if it rubs against any element placed in the water or even if it collides with mating, it can lose its scales and this can cause a weakening.

By having a rounded body has the tendency to suffer from swim bladder, an infection that suddenly appears on the skin creating a small bag of fluid. To prevent the species from going through this bad memento the most convenient thing is that it is fed through a balanced diet. This way you will not only avoid getting sick but also help raise your defenses.

On the other hand it is recommended that the aquarium water is completely clean, this is because the scales of this genus can become an easy target to accumulate dirt and even bacteria that can be harmful to their proper development. It should be taken into account that the larger the scales of higher quality will be the fish.

How to care for pearl scale fish

Due to its scales and its large bulky body, the pearl scale fish has a slow swim so it is necessary to live with other fish similar to this one, otherwise they can hurt it and gain an advantage at mealtime. It is also necessary to throw your food at a short distance so that you do not make so much effort and do not go unnoticed your food.