This post covers our pursuit into Albino Goldfish, a long-term interest that began approximately 9 years ago. We acquired two Albino Ranchu and despite their less-than-ideal tail and shape, the unique, mesmerising colouration and striking red eyes captured our attention.
Albino Goldfish, in the context of this exploration, refer to fish that are unable to produce black pigment and possess red eyes, not to be confused with (leucistic) pinky mattes that are completely white with black eyes. As there is no ‘true’ Albino Goldfish (entirely pigmentless), we try to explain that these Albino Goldfish often exhibit a disruption in some pigments, resulting in a predominantly yellow appearance. The genetic mechanism behind this is akin to the concept of Lutino animals, possessing the same mutation as an Albino animal but with a different colour as the foundation. It would be possible to create a closer likeness to a ‘true’ Albino Goldfish by combining this mutation with a Matte Goldfish, this would result in a completely pigmentless fish.
This current project focuses on creating an Albino Pearlscale Goldfish. We have recently obtained some Albino Telescope Goldfish from Joe at Clwyd Goldfish after hearing about his incredible find at a local pet shop (photo addded below). According to our research the Albino gene is simply recessive, therefore the breeding of a Pearlscale with an Albino Telescope and subsequently crossing their fry will potentially create a small amount of Albino Pearlscale offspring. An intriguing aspect of the project involves the potential development of telescope eyes in the second generation, adding a sought-after trait to the resulting Albino Pearlscales.
As expected the initial cross of a Metallic Telescope Albino with a female Metallic Pearlscale yielded fry with neither telescope eyes or albinism, but the absence of any pearlscales (calcium deposits) raises questions about the gene's behaviour, as previous spawns have exhibited pearlscales in the first generation. The shape of these fish will require significant refinement to be recognisable as Pearlscales (photo added below).
Potentially, within a couple of months these offspring will mature sufficiently for spawning, instigating the next critical decision; breed the first Albino fish with another Pearlscale to refine shape, or continue line breeding within the existing gene pool? The former would enhance shape but dilute the Albino trait, while the latter would provide 100% Albino fish and a smaller gene pool resulting in more physically consistent goldfish, though efforts would then be required to restore the desired Pearlscale shape. We are leaning towards the latter, though the decision remains theoretical until the first Albino fish is successfully bred, as breeding this particular Albino form into another fish might pose greater challenges compared to other Albino projects I've encountered. We’ll have to wait and find out!
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