Pearlscale Question

[DirtyPaws949]

Hi folks,

I’ve read pearlscale is caused by a gene that makes the scales malform to look nubby. I think it’s absolutely stunning, however I was wondering if this mutation causes any harm to the fish? Irritation, disease susceptibly, etc.
I might be interested in a breeding project with them in the future, but want to make sure the gene is ethical to pursue.

I recently acquired a pearlscale marble koi female from someone.
My marble koi male has taken an extreme shine to her, and almost immediately ditched his current partner
He was one of my more placid ones, a very submissive pair. Now he’s playing fistie-cuffs with all the other angels, then gently nipping her like, “hey, did you see that?!”
Certainly in attempts to woo her, I think!

 

[DirtyPaws949]

Here’s a quick pic of her.
lights were cycling off so the low-light lens was best I could do for now.

 

[neutrino]

Since no comments yet-- It's been 30 years since I had them, but mine were perfectly healthy and hardy, no less robust than my other fish-- had some really big and beautiful gold pearlscales and orange and black marble with pearled scales. That was a long time ago, so I can't guarantee today's genetics, but I would expect the same today as long as they come from a quality breeding line.

 

[DirtyPaws949]

Oh wow! I had no idea they even existed until I saw some relinquished adults at my LFS. They’ve been around a while then

I was worried it’d be some sort of mutation like a leather-skin bearded dragon

 

[ryansmith83]

Pearlscale is a common angelfish genetic trait. It's been in the fish for decades and often gets crossed into most lines.

 

[DirtyPaws949]

Pearlscale is a common angelfish genetic trait. It's been in the fish for decades and often gets crossed into most lines.

Great, thanks!
Now I feel like a noob again
Just wanted to double check, since this mutation affects characteristics other than color.
breeding project would be down the road, once I get my big cichlids moved and can give the angels the 150gal.