Oranda Pearlscale Goldfish are very rare and can be found in collectors' tanks throughout the world. Their hardiness and ability to live in cold temperatures make them ideal pets. Instead of having the long, slender body of the Common Goldfish or the Shubunkins, the Pearlscale is one of the more rounded or egg-shaped fancy goldfish. They have a straight back with a swollen belly, resembling a golf ball.
The Oranda Pearlscale Goldfish is usually twin-tailed with a very compact body. It can be easily recognized by its nacreous scales that have raised centers and dark perimeters. Arranged in rows, these distinctive scales look like pale pearls .This is the only variety of goldfish with these types of scales. The Pearlscale Goldfish can be found in all kinds of colours, including red, blue, black, calico, chocolate, and red/white combinations.
Provide a gravel substrate to help create a natural and comfortable environment for your fish. You can add some decor, but make sure that all ornamentation is smooth with no protruding points or sharp edges. Smooth rocks or driftwood should be used sparingly if at all. Aquarium plants would be the best choice of aquarium decor for goldfish, but unfortunately these fish are diggers. Consequently live plants may be uprooted. Artificial plants make a good substitute and silk plants are safer than plastic ones.
Goldfish are very social animals and thrive in a community. Not only are they a great community fish, but they are great scavengers as well. It is really not necessary to add other scavengers or other bottom feeders to the aquarium when you have goldfish.
When treating individuals, it is usually best to move the afflicted fish into a separate tank with no gravel or plants and do regular partial water changes. However, if the disease is apparent throughout the main tank, it may be best to do the treatments there. Whether treating in a hospital tank or your main tank, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for any medication. Some medications can adversely affect the water quality by destroying beneficial bacteria. You may also need to remove the carbon from the filtration system, as carbon will absorb many medications, making the treatment ineffective.
What We Like About This Fish:
- Peaceful and hardy addition to goldfish tanks and some ponds, though they cannot tolerate the extreme cold conditions that some other goldfish varieties can inhabit
- Very active
- Unique appearance as well as plenty of personality.
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Omnivorous, should be fed relatively low-protein foods designed specifically for goldfish
- Social behaviour: Social with other goldfish
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- pH level range: 6.0 – 8.0 (flexible as long as sudden changes are avoided.)
- Temperature range: 65° - 72° F (18° - 22° C)
- KH: 5 - 19 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 30+ gallons for a juvenile or subadult, though larger tanks are much more optimal. This fish should be given the largest tank with best filtration possible.