The most expensive aquarium fish: TOP-12 species, prices and photos

Aquarium fish can be more than just eye-catching decorations for a tank; certain species are extremely valuable rarities with exorbitant prices. For the rarest and most exotic fish, collectors and enthusiasts will pay thousands or even millions of dollars worldwide.

Not only are these expensive fish prized for their beauty. Their value can be increased by elements like cultural significance, rarity, and distinctive patterns. Every fish on this list, from species with intriguing histories to varieties with vibrant colors, has a unique place in the aquatic world.

These are twelve of the priciest aquarium fish, complete with prices and pictures, in case you’re wondering which species are the most in-demand or are thinking about adding one to your collection.

Arowana

One of the priciest aquarium fish is the arowana, also known as the dragon fish. Each individual’s price may differ based on size and color intensity. Dragon fish come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and fin shapes thanks to breeding efforts.

The most costly arowanas are:

  • golden;
  • red;
  • purple.

A red dragon in a pet store can cost anywhere from 150,000 to 400,000 rubles, but the rarest ones—which are the product of a gene mutation—can fetch up to 80,000 dollars! As an illustration, consider a white or platinum arowana that is owned by an Asian collector.

Kindly take note! Fish entered in competitions typically cost between $5,000 and $5,000 on average. These animals are sold with an implanted microchip that contains breeder and origin information, along with a certificate for the new owner.

Arowanas, incidentally, are thought to be among the planet’s oldest inhabitants; they lived 200 million years ago! This contributes to the high cost of goods as well.

Since the fish in the aquarium can grow to be 80 cm in length, the tank must be very large—at least 1000 liters. A lot of live food will also be necessary. In ideal circumstances, the average age approaches 20 years. Being extremely intelligent, Arowana can even identify its owner and eat from hands.

Pearl ray (Potamotrygon Sp. Pearl Ray)

Brazil’s waterways are the river stingray’s natural habitat. The fish is prized for its unique coloring, which consists of golden spots scattered throughout its dark body like pearls.

Without exception, stingrays are incredibly uncommon aquarium inhabitants. Even in the wild, encountering a pearl stingray can be challenging; witnessing its progeny in an aquarium presents even greater challenges. As a result, a single person costs $50,000 on average. The number of specimens brought to Russia was limited to 20. The stingray appears in the catalogs of businesses that sell aquarium inhabitants about once every three to five years.

Kindly take note! A cross between a pearl and a motor stingray is available for purchase. These samples start at 60,000 rubles.

Peppermint Angelfish (Paracentropyge boylei, Peppermint Angelfis)

Collectors adore the peppermint angelfish from the deep sea. However, it is very challenging to capture a fish this small (it measures no more than 7 cm). At a depth of 50–120 meters, the peppermint angelfish can be found on tropical reefs in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. The fish use rocks and reefs as clever hiding places. The cost also goes up, reaching up to $30,000 for each specimen because of the labor expenses associated with catching.

Video – Peppermint Angelfish

Bladefin Basslet (Jeboehlkia gladifer, Bladefin Basslet)

The Bladefin Basslet is an additional costly aquarium occupant. Since it is very difficult to catch a 3.5-centimeter fish hiding among the reefs at a depth of 150 meters, it is rarely found on sale.

The peculiar dorsal fin of the basslet, which resembles a blade, gave rise to the name. There are two colors on the body: orange and white. A single person typically costs $10,000. Externally, the basslet bears a striking resemblance to the white-headed dwarf goby, which was formerly priced at $1,000 but is now only $250.

Golden Basslet (Liopropoma aberrans)

Extremely lovely fish with a rich yellow body color and blue eyes. In addition, yellow progressively becomes tangerine, and a mesh pattern forms where the colors meet (most noticeable in the back area).

Nota: Although this species has been known since 1860, aquarium fish sales began in 2011. Because deep-sea equipment must be used and decompression is required, Golden Basslet capture is very costly. Furthermore, the fact that Golden Basslets spend nearly all of their time in tiny reef fissures makes catching them more difficult.

It is also not an inexpensive pleasure to set up an aquarium for a Golden Basslet. The fish should be able to hide in the large tank’s many caverns and rock formations. Golden basslets are highly resilient and easily adjust to aquarium conditions, but they are pricey—roughly six thousand dollars—because they are rarely found on sale.

Neptune Grouper (Cephalopholis igarashiensis, Neptune Grouper)

Belongs to the family of rock perches, it lives off the coasts of Japan and Fiji. Adults have a vivid pink body that appears to be surrounded by thick yellow stripes. Young Neptunes are consistently orange or yellow in hue.

Neptune can cost up to $6,000 when it is on sale, though this doesn’t happen very often. Because the fish can withstand pressure changes more readily because it lives at such great depths (between 50 and 280 meters), divers who catch it give Neptune decompression stops. Grouper transportation is also expensive.

This piece delves into the realm of the priciest aquarium fish, showcasing 12 uncommon and exotic varieties that enthrall enthusiasts with their striking beauty and individuality. Discover what makes these fish so valuable, along with their current market prices and pictures to highlight their amazing appearance. From vibrant Arowanas to gorgeous Koi.

Flathead perch (Rainfordia opercularis, Australian flathead perch)

The Australian perch is among the rarest fish. Since it spends most of its time in shelters, it is hard to catch. The fish’s endemicity to eastern Australia is another factor contributing to its inaccessibility.

The flat head, prominent eyes, and wide mouth of the Australian perch set it apart. The sizes don’t go over 15 cm. The body is blue with stripes of yellow. A perch can be purchased for all 8,000 dollars in Japan, while it costs $5,000 in the USA.

See also: Which is better to choose for aquarium soil? You’ll also probably find an article about fish spawning to be interesting.

Clarion or loud angelfish (Clarion Angelfish)

A member of the family Angelfish. inhabits the reef areas off the coasts of Mexico and California. Particularly the orange one with the metallic blue stripes on its body, Clarion is incredibly beautiful. All of these fish are harvested by hand. Even though it has been kept in aquariums for more than 40 years, clams are still costly and scarce.

Because of their scarcity, fish are protected in the wild by the Mexican government. Only very few cases of clorion fish are bred in captivity, and the fry produced are very costly. For instance, a small angelfish costs roughly $5,000 in the United States. Clarion has high expectations for the conditions of incarceration; if they are not met, the fish’s value will vanish along with the blue stripes.

Wrought Iron Butterfly Fish (Chaetodon daedalma)

The fish’s dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are brilliant yellow, and its body is black with a metallic sheen. The fish’s original coloring has earned it another name, black silk butterfly. Its entire body is no larger than 15 cm. It inhabits rocky reefs close to the Japanese islands, where it lives in groups of ten individuals in the wild. Although they are very resilient and mobile, butterfly fish should only be housed in sizable (up to 800 liters) cold-water aquariums. Online retailers charge between $3,000 and $4,000 per person.

Koi carp or brocade carp

Japanese carp breeders have been successful in producing a number of colored species since the 1930s. However, serious efforts to breed koi carp didn’t start until the 1950s. Out of tens of thousands of specimens, a small number of units were chosen for further breeding. Carp need to pass six selections in order to be classified as "koi."

Note: There are now fifteen different color varieties of koi. In Japan, the most sought-after varieties are black with red and white blotches, white with black and red spots, and red and white koi. The priciest brocade carp could fetch as much as $5,000.

Koi are subjected to the most stringent selection, which is done based on several factors:

  • body structure;
  • quality;
  • color and pattern.

After summarizing everything and providing an expert opinion on each specimen, a price is only determined.

Video – Koi Carp

Tetraodon mbu (Tetraodon mbu, giant puffer)

African tribes’ language is called "mbu," which translates to "cobblestone." The largest tetradont fish is one of the fish that we have included in our ranking of the most expensive aquarium fish. This tropical bottom fish inhabits the waters surrounding Africa. Pufferfish with gold rings or mesh pufferfish are two other names that are available on the market. Every specimen has a unique pattern that resembles a black net covering a golden body. Mbu has the ability to bite someone and be aggressive. The fish swells up and gets little spikes on its body when it senses danger.

In an aquarium, Tetraodon mbu can grow up to 40 cm. In captivity, the tank capacity needs to be at least 4,000 liters for it to begin reproducing. In terms of cost, it can amount to 70,000 rubles.

Tiger catfish merodontotus tigrinum (Brachyplatystoma tigrinum)

The tiger catfish is the most visually striking member of the flat-headed catfish family. This species of zebra fish is restricted to the Rio Madeira River in Brazil. Such a pet cannot be kept in a home aquarium by every aquarist. The Brazilian government has banned the export of merodontus from the nation because it is extremely hard to catch. However, the excitement surrounding merodontus is still present today. Aquarists are willing to spend 80,000 rubles on a large 35-cm specimen.

The brachyplatystoma has a very elongated silvery body that is striped in blue and black. Unlike other kinds of catfish, the body color of this species does not fade with age; rather, it becomes more contrasting. When they are young, the stripes are perfectly shaped and strictly vertical, but as they get older, they tilt.

Kindly take note! This species aquarium contains a predatory fish that can reach a maximum size of 60 cm and a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Fish Species Price Range
Asian Arowana $5,000 – $400,000
Platinum Arowana $300,000 – $400,000
Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray $100,000
Peppermint Angelfish $30,000
Masked Angelfish $20,000
Bladefin Basslet $10,000
Golden Basslet $8,000
Clarion Angelfish $7,000
Neptune Grouper $6,000
Australian Flathead Perch $5,000
Wrought Iron Butterflyfish $2,700
Show Koi $2,500

For many enthusiasts, owning one of the priciest aquarium fish is a mark of passion and status. These uncommon species often need particular attention and care, which calls for a significant time and financial commitment.

Even though these fish are expensive, collectors all over the world are drawn to them because of their exceptional beauty and scarcity. Every species has something unique to offer, be it striking hues, unusual patterns, or elegant motions that make them so desirable.

These fish, for those who are prepared to spend the money, turn any aquarium into a living work of art by adding an amazing touch of elegance. These priceless additions can flourish and turn into a focal point of pride in any aquatic setting with the correct maintenance.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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