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It is one of the famous varieties. It is not well known for rich colors or beautiful shape but for pearl-like scales on the body. The scales, also called pearl scales, are formed by tufa sedimentated on scales. They look like bead and touch like corn cobs with plump corn kernels, which is quite peculiar and dazzling. The body shape is different from common goldfish as well, which is like shuttle with the both ends pointed and the abdomen long and round. Pearl-scales are regarded as a rare variety. It is said that they originated in Guangdong and transported to Beijing when Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) collected everywhere rare items during constructing the Summer Palace at the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). But they died later not adaptable to the climate in Beijing, while those left in Guangdong grew well under good climate. Later on they were introduced to Shanghai and were seen in other places after cultivation. Because pearl scales are prone to fall off, it is extremely difficult to raise. Once one or two scales fall off due to carelessness, the fish would look inferior immediately. Therefore, containers should be as smooth as possible in order not to scrape off its scales. In addition, the pearl scales cannot regenerate once falling off. Pearl-Scale could be many colors, including Red and White Pearl, White Pearl and Calico Pearl, etc.
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