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Carassius auratus
A line whose ping-pong-round body is clad in pearl scales under calico mottling in red, black and white. The colour form arose through crosses with the calico ryukin and the azuma nishiki.
The calico pearlscale is the colour line that carries calico patterning on the ping-pong pearl. The ping-pong pearl was fixed by selecting short-tailed, round-bodied fish out of pearlscale stock, and the nickname comes from its ball-like shape. Calico patterning came in through crosses with the calico ryukin and the azuma nishiki, so mosaic transparent scales mix pale blue into the red, black and white. With small fins on a barrel of a body it swims awkwardly, and the way it drifts against the current is part of its appeal. It is not a beginner's fish: it reddens easily and is prone to swim bladder trouble. Most fish in circulation are farmed in Southeast Asia, and sensitivity to cold water is a further consideration.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Calico Pearlscale lives 5-6 years.
The Calico Pearlscale grows to 8-15cm.
The ideal temperature for the Calico Pearlscale is 15〜28℃.
Origin
China and Southeast Asia (the pearlscale itself is Chinese)
Lifespan
5-6 years
Size
Sources: FishBase (Carassius auratus) / Keihan Nishikigoi Center: goldfish water management / Kingyo Hitosuji: Pearlscale
Goldfish varieties arose from fixed mutations and selective breeding, and body form, tail form, scale type, colour and head growth are all carried forward by selection over generations. Inheritance is therefore shown as line-bred throughout rather than split into dominant and recessive.
Sources: Kingyo Hitosuji: Pearlscale
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (Carassius auratus)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
8-15cm
Temperature
15〜28℃
Prepared foods, frozen bloodworms
Diffuse lighting shows the calico, the pale blue and the grain of the pearl scales together. Strong direct light tends to wash the pattern out.
Keep aeration light. With small fins on a barrel-shaped body, strong currents drain its stamina. Do not let the temperature fall too far.
It is among the weakest swimmers of all, so pair it only with equally slow fish such as other ping-pong pearls or bubble eyes. It does not suit mixed company.
It reddens easily and is prone to swim bladder trouble, so it is not a beginner's fish. Keep feeding modest and temperature and water quality steady to avoid problems.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Calico Pearlscale is 15〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Calico Pearlscale is 5-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Calico Pearlscale typically reaches 8-15cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Calico Pearlscale feeds on: Prepared foods, frozen bloodworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Calico Pearlscale varies significantly depending on variety, size, and individual quality. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026