Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Pearlscale Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Also called Chinshurin, Ping Pong Pearlscale, Golfball Pearlscale, High-head Pearlscale, Crown Pearlscale
From China and Japan1
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Spherical twin-tailed goldfish with thick, domed pearl scales
A ball-shaped goldfish, often compared to a golf ball or an orange, whose scales are raised into little domes with a soft, pearly shine. It has a dorsal fin and a fantail-style double tail held slightly above level. Some fish have a smooth head, others an oranda-like hood or a pair of bubble-like domes on top.12
Personality what they are like
Gentle and peaceful. Its round body makes it a slow, bobbing swimmer, so it does best with other relaxed fancy goldfish.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. Prefers calm water and open space rather than strong currents.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs a good filter, regular partial water changes with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water, and routine tests showing zero ammonia and nitrite. Feed modestly and keep the pH steady, as pearlscales prefer stable water.34
Home where they are happiest
Keep in a filtered aquarium, not a bowl. Aqueon suggests at least 40 litres (10 US gallons) per adult fancy goldfish, while the RSPCA advises at least 60 litres per goldfish, with wider tanks giving more stable water. Fancy goldfish are comfortable at about 20-23 °C (Aqueon gives 68-74 °F); keep pearlscales at 13 °C or warmer. A pH of roughly 6.0-8.4 is fine (FishBase gives 6.0-8.0, Aqueon 7.0-8.4).435
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Offer a goldfish flake, granule or sinking pellet once or twice a day, only as much as is eaten in two to three minutes, with frozen or live foods as occasional treats. Small, regular meals suit its compact, round body.45
Company who they like around
A sociable fish that likes company; FishBase suggests goldfish in groups of five or more. Pairs well with other round fancy goldfish such as ryukin and orandas.54
The story where it all began
The pearlscale was developed by goldfish breeders in China and Japan, where it is known as chinshurin. Selection for an ever rounder body and raised scales has produced several forms, including the ping pong, crown and Hama Nishiki types.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Goldfish show standards
- Show standard sets a minimum body length of 5.5 cm; body depth should be more than two-thirds of length, with a single dorsal fin and a forked tail held above the horizontal1
- Taxonomy
- Round-bodied twin-tailed fancy goldfish with domed, pearl-like scales2
- IUCN Red List
- The parent species Carassius auratus is assessed as Least Concern5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pearlscale Goldfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 25 to 30% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pearlscale Goldfish?
Feed your Pearlscale Goldfish once or twice a day, only as much as it can eat in two to three minutes. Small, regular meals suit its compact, round body. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed once daily.45 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Pearlscale Goldfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It is an omnivore and enjoys goldfish flakes, granules, or sinking pellets, with frozen or live foods as occasional treats. Never feed it anything that could cause bloating or constipation, such as large or dry foods; for specific amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.45
How much space does a Pearlscale Goldfish need?
Aqueon suggests at least 40 litres (10 US gallons) per adult fancy goldfish, while the RSPCA advises at least 60 litres per goldfish, with wider tanks giving more stable water. A filtered aquarium, not a bowl, is essential for its health.43
What temperature, light or water does a Pearlscale Goldfish need?
Keep the water at about 20-23 °C (68-74 °F), with a pH of roughly 6.0-8.4. Use a good filter and dechlorinated, temperature-matched water for water changes. Stable conditions are key for this gentle fish.435
How often should I clean a Pearlscale Goldfish's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25-30% water change, along with weekly glass cleaning and water testing. Rinse the filter monthly. Regular partial water changes with dechlorinated, temperature-matched water keep your fish healthy.34 Pet Wiki plan
Can a Pearlscale Goldfish live with others?
Yes, it is a sociable fish that likes company and does best in groups of five or more, according to FishBase. It pairs well with other round fancy goldfish such as ryukin and orandas, but avoid fast or nippy tank mates.54
How long does a Pearlscale Goldfish live?
With proper care, a Pearlscale Goldfish can live for many years, though exact lifespan varies. For more specific information, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Pearlscale Goldfish?
It is best not to handle this fish, as its round body and delicate scales are easily injured. Always use a soft net if you need to move it, and keep handling to a minimum.12
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Ryukin
Fantail Goldfish
OrandaWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- Pearlscale - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, names, body, colours, size, show standard, temperature minimum, history, fun facts
- List of goldfish varieties - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for variety status, scale regrowth
- Fish environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for tank size, filtration, water changes
- Goldfish Care Sheet - Aqueon aqueon.comused for temperature, tank size, diet
- Carassius auratus - FishBase fishbase.seused for pH, group size, diet, IUCN
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.