Porcelain Cat Fish with brass fish scales

I found this intriguing Asian porcelain catfish with brass scales in a yard sale and as I like cats I could not resist buying it. I did figure there would be a signature somewhere as it was so well made but could not find it until I lifted some scales on it's back end. I thought that was a strange place to put a signature... so, were the scales put on this cat as an after thought?? I also don't know the artists signature. Maybe someone on the forum can give me an idea of who it might be??
I have never seen one like this before or since... Has anyone else seen this type of cat figurine or can this just be a one off??
Thank you everyone who looks and enjoys my pictures.