Top 25 Most Expensive Fish in the World

Introduction

The world of fish is vast and varied. Many are beautiful, rare, and valuable. Some are the most expensive fish worth thousands or millions of dollars, from the ocean to freshwater lakes and rivers. These fish have captured people’s hearts worldwide, whether rare wild caught or luxury pets for aquarium enthusiasts.

In this article, we will look at the 25 most expensive fish in the world. These fish are valuable not only because of their rarity but also because of the demand for them in the market.

The Most Expensive Fish in the World

Platinum Rowan

The platinum rowan is considered the most expensive fish in the world. It is rare and unique in appearance. Unlike other fish, the platinum rowan has a silver or platinum body that shines like metal. This fish can live in freshwater, and many people keep it in aquariums.

A Platinum Rowan can cost as much as $400,000. Why is it so expensive? It’s hard to find a fish with this kind of colour. On top of that, some cultures, especially in Asia, believe this fish brings good luck. It’s often linked to wealth and success. People see the Narrow as a symbol of fortune, so many are willing to pay a high price.

Besides its colour, the Platinum Rowan can grow up to 3 feet long. Its long body and flowing movement make it more beautiful. This fish needs a big tank to swim in, so it’s a fish for serious aquarium owners with the space and resources.

Another reason for its high price is its scarcity. These fish are hard to find, and breeding them in captivity is difficult. With fewer fish available, the demand and the price increase.

Polka Dot Stingray

The Polka Dot Stingray, or Leopold Stingray, is another most expensive fish known for its high price. This stingray is native to the rivers of South America, specifically in Brazil. What makes it special is its appearance. The Polka Dot Stingray has a black body with white dots, which is where it got its name.

This stingray is famous among people who like exotic fish. It can cost up to $100,000. The price depends on the size of the fish and how distinct the markings are—the more perfect and clear the dots, the more expensive the stingray.

Polka Dot Stingrays are kept in large aquariums. They need space to move around since they can grow up to 18 inches in diameter. Taking care of this fish requires experience, as it needs specific water conditions and a controlled environment. It also eats live or frozen food, which makes it harder to care for than other fish.

Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray

The Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray is similar to the Leopoldo Stingray but lives in freshwater. It’s one of the rarest stingrays, so it’s most expensive fish. Like its cousin, the Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray has a black body with white spots. The spots make it stand out and increase its value.

This stingray can be priced around $100,000 or more, depending on the size and quality of the spots. The clearer and more defined the spots, the more expensive the fish.

The fish’s rarity adds to its price. Finding a Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray is not easy, and breeding them is also hard, making them even more valuable. The fish is considered a status symbol among aquarium owners, especially those who keep rare and exotic species.

These stingrays need a big tank with plenty of space to swim. They also need special care to ensure the water quality is just right. Proper feeding is also important. They eat live food or specially prepared frozen food.

They are for experienced and dedicated fish keepers.

Masked Angelfish

Masked Angelfish is one of the most expensive saltwater fish in the world. It’s native to Hawaii waters and highly sought after for its appearance. The Masked Angelfish has a bright white body with a black mask on its face. This unique look makes it very popular among aquarium enthusiasts.

The price of a Masked Angelfish can go up to $30,000. The main reason for this price is the fish’s rarity. It’s difficult to find, and catching it in the wild is challenging because of its deep-water habitat. The fish live in waters that are hard to reach, so it’s rare in the aquarium trade.

Many saltwater fish collectors are willing to pay high prices for Masked Angelfish because of its beauty and uniqueness. The fish’s peaceful and elegant swimming makes it perfect for a high-end aquarium.

Masked Angelfish are not only rare but also hard to breed in captivity. That’s why the ones caught in the wild are even more valuable. The demand is higher than the supply, so the price goes up.

Peppermint Angelfish

The Peppermint Angelfish is one of the world’s most expensive and rarest fish. It’s easy to spot with its bold red and white stripes, like peppermint candy. It’s a collector’s fish.

One Peppermint Angelfish can cost up to $30,000. One reason for that is its rarity. The fish lives deep underwater, often 300 feet or more. Because of that, it’s hard for divers to catch it, making it rare in the aquarium trade.

The Peppermint Angelfish is small, only 2.5 inches in length. But what it lacks in size makes up for in color and uniqueness. Its bright colors will stand out in any aquarium. Collectors will pay top dollar to own this species.

Another reason for the high price is that breeding in captivity is almost impossible. Most of the Peppermint Angelfish sold in the market are wild-caught, with minimal supply.

Blade fin Bass let

The Blade fin Bass-let is a small, rare, and most expensive fish from the deep waters of the Caribbean Sea. Despite its small size—it can grow up to 1.5 inches in length—it can cost up to $10,000. The high price is due to its rarity and the difficulty of catching this tiny fish.

The Blade fin Bass let is known for its bright red and white coloration. It’s a beautiful addition to any saltwater aquarium. Its slender body and distinctive fin give the fish its unique look. But because it lives at 500 feet deep, it’s tough for divers to catch the fish and bring it to the surface safely. The challenges of catching this fish and bringing it to the surface are what make it so valuable.

It is not for everyone due to the price and care requirements, but it is highly prizes by serious aquarium hobbyists. The fish thrives in aquariums that mimic its natural deep-water habitat with specific lighting and water conditions.

Golden Bass let

The golden basset is another deep-sea fish that’s as beautiful as rare. Because of its golden yellow colour, it’s often called one of the most beautiful fish in the world. Like the blade in the basset, this fish lives in the depths of the ocean, which is why it’s hard to catch and expensive to buy.

$8,000 and up, depending on size and condition. Its golden body and small size make it a luxury saltwater aquarium fish.

They are peaceful, so they can be kept with other non-aggressive fish in a well-managed tank. However, because they live in the deep in the wild, special care must be taken to replicate their natural environment in captivity. Aquarium owners need to provide specific lighting and water conditions to mimic the deep sea where the golden basset lives.

Despite the cost, many aquarium enthusiasts are willing to pay top dollar for this rare beauty. Its colour and calmness make it a must-have for collectors.

Clarion Angelfish

The Clarion Angelfish is one of the most colourful Angelfish in the world. It is found around Mexico, specifically around the Bedevilling Islands. The Clarion Angelfish has an orange body with electric blue accents on its fins and tail. It’s a real showstopper in any tank.

It can sell for up to $7,000, and the price is due to its rarity. It is found in a very limited area and is protected by Mexican laws. Catching this fish in the wild is highly regulated, and only a few are seen each year for the aquarium trade.

Another reason for the most expensive fish is the difficulty of breeding them in captivity. Some aquarists have bred them, but it’s a complex process, and only a few are produced. This limited supply drives up the price.

Besides its beauty, the Clarion Angelfish is a hardy species that can adapt to many tank conditions. This makes it a favourite among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts who can afford the price.

Wrought Iron Butterfly fish

The Wrought Iron Butterfly fish is a unique and rare species found in the waters around Japan. This fish is famous for its iron grey colour, which is unusual among butterfly-fish. Its body is covered in small metallic scales, which gives it the appearance of wrought iron, hence the name.

Although it is not as colourful as some other butterfly fish, its uniqueness makes it a must-have for collectors. Depending on size and condition, it can sell for up to $6,000.

One reason most expensive fish is that it’s rare. The Wrought Iron Butterfly-fish isn’t easy to catch, lives in deeper waters, and is less common than other butterfly-fish. Its colour and rarity in the aquarium trade make it a hot commodity.

In captivity, the Wrought Iron Butterfly-fish is peaceful. It gets along with other fish and is easier to care for than some other rare species. However, to keep this fish healthy, you still need to maintain the right water conditions and diet.

Neptune Grouper

The Neptune Grouper is a beautiful fish with bright pink, yellow, and red colors. It lives in deep waters, 300-800 feet below the surface, which makes it very hard to catch. Because of this, the Neptune Grouper is one of the most expensive groupers in the world, up to $6,000.

Neptune Groupers are difficult to catch in their deep-sea habitat. Specialized equipment and techniques are needed to bring them up safely. Even when caught, only a few survive the journey to shallower waters due to the pressure change. This makes the fish even rarer in the aquarium trade.

The Neptune Grouper is beautiful and a Favorited among serious saltwater aquarium owners. However, to thrive in captivity, it needs a big tank and careful attention to water quality and diet.

Because of its rarity and beauty, the Neptune Grouper is a luxury fish kept by collectors willing to invest in the care and equipment, making it one of the most expensive fish.

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Australian Flathead Perch

The Australian Flathead Perch is one of the rarest and most expensive fish in the coral reefs of Western Australia. This small but colorful fish is sought after by aquarium enthusiasts because of its rarity and beauty. It has an elongated body and vibrant color patterns of orange, blue, and yellow. It will stand out in any tank.

An Australian Flathead Perch can cost $5,000 or more because of its limited habitat and hard catch. This species is rarely seen in the wild, and finding one for the aquarium trade is even harder. The fish lives in deep waters, making it hard for divers to find and collect them safely.

Despite its small size—only a few inches long—the Australian Flathead Perch is a prizes addition to marine aquariums. However, it must be handled carefully and in specific tank conditions to survive in captivity, including water temperature, lighting, and diet. This fish is rarely available in the market, so it’s a rare and valuable catch for collectors.

Arapaho

One of the biggest freshwater fish in the world, the Arapaho, is found in the rivers and lakes of the Amazon Basin in South America. This monster can grow over 10 feet long and weigh up to 485 lbs. Its unique breathing system allows it to breathe air through a lung-like organ to survive in low-oxygen water.

An Arapaho can range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on size and condition. Larger ones are more valuable because of their size and rarity. In the wild, Arapaho is becoming rare due to over fishing, which has increased the aquarium trade price.

Arapaho are not only big but also beautiful. They have a sleek torpedo-shaped body with metallic scales that shimmer in green to red depending on the light. They make a great addition to extensive public aquariums or private collections.

Because of their size, keeping an Arapaho in captivity requires a massive tank with plenty of swimming space. They are also carnivorous, feeding on fish and small animals. Caring for an Arapaho is a big commitment, and only experienced aquarium owners with the proper setup should consider getting one.

Japanese Koi

Japanese Koi are among the world’s most famous and expensive ornamental fish. They have been bred for centuries in Japan and are known for their bright, colorful patterns, which can be orange, white, red, yellow, or black. Each Koi has its own pattern, and some of the rarest ones can fetch high prices at auctions.

The price of a Koi fish can range from a few hundred to over $1 million depending on the variety, colour, size, and lineage. Some of the most prized Koi, like Kohaku, Taisho Snake, and Shows, are bred for their beautiful patterns and symmetry. These fish are often displayed in elaborate garden ponds and are considered good luck, prosperity, and longevity in many cultures.

Koi can live for decades, some up to 100 years, making them a long-term investment for collectors. Their vibrant colors and peaceful nature make them a popular choice for pond enthusiasts worldwide. Breeding Koi requires expertise, as the fish need specific water conditions, a balanced diet, and careful attention to maintain their health and colors, Size, skin, and pattern. Raised in special ponds for show.

Platinum Koi

Platinum koi are rare and stunning, shining with metallic white scales. They are highly sought after for their pure body and reflective skin, which gives them a platinum look. Platinum Koi are considered the most elegant and luxurious Koi and are a favourite among severe Koi collectors.

Price range: $2,000 to $50,000, depending on size, colour, and lineage. Larger ones with perfect metallic scales are highly prizes. Demand for Platinum Koi has increased significantly in recent years as more people look for unique and rare varieties to add to their Koi ponds.

Platinum Koi are peaceful and adaptable, so they can live with other Koi varieties in the pond. However, like all Koi, they need specific water conditions and a balanced diet to stay healthy and shiny. They can live for many years and grow, so they are a long-term commitment for their owners.

Because of their metallic look, Platinum Koi are seen as a symbol of wealth and status. They are often used in traditional Japanese gardens, showcasing their beauty against a natural background. Their beauty and value make Platinum Koi a treasure for Koi enthusiasts everywhere.

Black Diamond Stingray

The Black Diamond Stingray is one of the world’s most beautiful and expensive freshwater stingrays. This species is found in the rivers of South America, particularly in the Rio Negro, and is known for its jet-black body with white spots, making it a unique and striking-looking fish. The contrast of black and white makes the Black Diamond Stingray one of the most sought-after stingrays in the aquarium trade.

Price range: $10,000 to $15,000, depending on size, age, and pattern. Larger ones with distinct and symmetrical spots are highly prizes. The Black Diamond Stingray is also known for its elegant swimming, so it’s a popular addition to large aquariums.

In captivity, the Black Diamond Stingray needs a large tank with plenty of open swimming space and clean, well-filtered water. They can grow up to 24 inches in diameter and need plenty of room to move around. They are carnivorous and feed on small fish and invertebrates.

Caring for a Black Diamond Stingray is not for beginners. They are sensitive to water quality and need a specific diet to stay healthy. But for experienced Aquarius, having a Black Diamond Stingray is a unique and rewarding experience. Their beauty, rarity, and size make them a showpiece in any collection.

Koi Variants

Koi variants are the most popular and iconic ornamental fish in the world, loved for their colors and patterns. Over the centuries, Japanese breeders have developed many Koi types, each with its own colour scheme, pattern, and characteristics. The Kohaku, Taisho Snake, and Shows Koi are among the most well-known Koi variants.

Kohaku: The Kohaku is a white Koi with red patches and is often considered the foundation of all Koi varieties. The purity of the white body and the boldness of the red pattern (called hi) are the key factors determining this variant’s value.
Taisho Snake: Also known as Snake, this variant is similar to the Kohaku but has an extra layer of black patterns. A well-bred Taisho Snake has transparent white and red colors with neat black markings all over the body.
Showa: The Shows is a stunning Koi with mixed red, white, and black colors. Unlike the Snake, the black (sumi) dominates in Shows Koi, making it look more dramatic.

These Koi variants are stunning. Depending on size, colour quality, and lineage, koi fish can cost a few hundred dollars to over $1 million. The rarest and most valuable have perfect symmetry, balanced colour intensity, and scales.

Collectors buy these Koi variants for their looks and the serenity they bring to garden ponds. Each Koi is a living work of art, symbolizing good luck, wealth, and long life.

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Golden Arowana

The golden rowan is one of the most valuable and expensive fish in the world. This freshwater fish from Southeast Asia is famous for its golden scales and long body. Golden rowans have cultural significance, especially in Chinese culture, where they are believed to bring good luck and wealth to their owners.

A Golden Rowan can range from $20,000 to over $300,000, depending on the quality of the scales, body shape, and size. The most expensive Golden Rowans have perfect, shiny gold scales that reflect light like a mirror. These fish are highly sought after by wealthy collectors who believe that owning a Golden Rowan will increase their wealth.

The fish’s beauty is in its metallic gold colour. It looks like a live gold bar swimming in the water, and its swimming motion is also very alluring in large aquariums.

Golden Rowans are also known to live for decades in captivity. But caring for them requires a lot of effort, as they need a big tank, clean water, and a well-balanced diet to thrive. They can grow up to 3 feet in length, so they are best for experienced aquarium owners who have the space and resources to accommodate them.

Giant Mekong Catfish

The giant Mekong Catfish is one of the biggest freshwater fish in the world. It is found in the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia. This species can grow to enormous size, reaching over 10 feet in length and over 600 pounds. Its size and rarity make the Giant Mekong Catfish a very sought-after species, but it is more known for conservation than as an aquarium fish.

Due to their size and protected status, Giant Mekong Catfish are not sold in the aquarium trade. If one is available, the price could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. In the wild, the species is severely affected by overfishing, dam construction, and habitat loss, making it critically endangered.

This fish is known to be gentle despite its massive size. Unlike many other big fish, the giant Mekong catfish is a herbivore that feeds on algae and plant matter. Its size and appearance have made it a fascination to fish enthusiasts, especially in the region where it is found.

Conservation efforts are ongoing for the species, including breeding and habitat conservation. In Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, the Giant Mekong Catfish is a symbol of the Mekong River’s biodiversity.

Asian Arowana

Asian Rowan is another Rowan family member but is more cherished in Asia, where it is called the “Dragon Fish.” Its elongated body and flowing motion resemble the mythical dragons in Chinese culture. That’s why Asian rowan is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to its owner.

Asian Rowans come in red, gold, green, and silver; red and gold are the most popular. Prices range from $5,000 to $10,000, and sometimes even more for rare ones.

One reason for the high price is the strict regulations on the trade of Asian Rowans. They are listed as endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), so only licensed breeders can sell them. This limited supply, plus the cultural and aesthetic value of the fish, drives up the price.

Caring for an Asian Rowan requires a big tank, as they can grow up to 3 feet in length. They are carnivorous and need a diet rich in protein. They eat small fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Collectors prize the Asian Rowan not only for its beauty but also because they believe it can bring wealth and success to the owner; hence, it’s a prizes possession in many parts of the world.

Bluefin Tuna

Blue fin Tuna is one of the most expensive and sought-after fish in the world, especially in the culinary market. Found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, it is prizes for its rich meat, which is a delicacy in sushi and sashimi dishes. In Japan, Blue fin Tuna is highly valued, and some of the best ones are sold at auction for record prices.

The most expensive Blue fin Tuna ever sold was over $3 million at an auction in Japan. The price is due to the size, meat quality, and demand in the luxury food market. Sushi chefs and restaurants are willing to pay top dollar for premium-grade Blue fin Tuna, especially for the torso cut from the fish’s fatty belly.

Blue fin Tuna are known for their incredible speed and strength, making them hard to catch. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Their size, plus a declining population due to over fishing, has driven up the price.

Conservation efforts are in place to save the Blue fin Tuna, which is heavily over fished. While they are highly sought after in the culinary world, there are concerns about the sustainability of Blue fin Tuna fishing. Strict regulations and quotas are in place to protect the species.

Napoleon Wrasse

The Napoleon Wrasse, also known as the Humphed Wrasse, is one of the world’s biggest and most expensive fish. This species is found in the coral reefs of the Undo-Pacific region, particularly in the Red Sea and the Great Barrier Reef. It can grow up to 6 feet long and over 400 pounds. It is a sight to behold.

One of the most noticeable features of the Napoleon Wrasse is the hump on its forehead which becomes more prominent as the fish ages. Its body is covered in blue and green and has intricate patterns on its scales like a mosaic. The Napoleon Wrasse is a showstopper for large aquariums and public displays.

The Napoleon Wrasse is endangered due to over fishing, especially in Southeast Asia, where its meat is highly prizes. More considerable, mature specimens can fetch up to $10,000 in the aquarium trade. Strict regulations are now in place to protect this species, and its capture is heavily restricted in many parts of the world.

This fish is not just big and beautiful but also intelligent. The Napoleon Wrasse is curious and can recognize individual humans, often approaching divers without fear. In captivity, it needs a large tank, attention to water quality, and a varied diet of shellfish and other invertebrates.

Saber fish

The Silverfish is a rare and highly sought-after species found in the deep waters of the world’s oceans. Its elongated and sleek body and sharp teeth make it look almost predatory. This fish is found at great depths, making it hard to catch and even harder to keep in captivity.

The value of the Silverfish is its rarity and looks. It’s not commonly seen in the aquarium trade due to the challenges of catching it and keeping it alive outside its natural habitat. When available, the Silverfish can sell for $4,000 to $5,000, depending on its size and condition.

Silverfish are known for their fast and agile movements and carnivorous feeding on smaller fish. Due to their deep-water habitat, they require specific care in an aquarium setting, including controlled lighting and water pressure to mimic their natural environment. The difficulty of maintaining these conditions is why the Silverfish is so expensive in the aquarium market.

The Silverfish is an excellent addition to any collection for those who can care for them because of its looks and rarity.

Gem Tang

The Gem Tang is one of the most beautiful and expensive tangs in the world. It is small and sleek, with a deep black body and white spots that look like stars. Found in the waters around Mauritius and the Indian Ocean, the Gem Tang is very rare in the aquarium trade due to its limited range and difficulty in catching.

Prices for a single Gem Tang can range from $5,000 to $8,000, depending on size and markings. The demand is high because of its rarity and beauty, making it a must-have for high-end saltwater aquariums. The Gem Tang is a peaceful fish, so it can be kept with other non-aggressive fish in a community tank.

The Gem Tang needs a large tank with plenty of hiding places and live rock to feel secure. It also requires an algae-rich diet as it’s an herbivore. Water quality is critical to keeping the Gem Tang healthy and its colors sharp and bright.

The Gem Tang is a luxury fish for serious aquarium collectors because of its rarity and the work to catch and care for it.

Emperor Angelfish

The Emperor Angelfish is one of the most iconic and sought-after saltwater fish in the aquarium trade. Its bold stripes in blue, yellow, and black and its face mask make it a showstopper in any tank. The Emperor Angelfish is found in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 15 inches in length.

Juvenile Emperor Angelfish looks very different from adults. They have circular blue and white markings that change the fish matures into adult coloration. This is one of the many reasons why aquarium enthusiasts love the Emperor Angelfish.

A healthy Emperor Angelfish can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, depending on size and condition. Price also varies if caught in the wild or bred in captivity; wild caught is more expensive because of its colors.

Caring for an Emperor Angelfish requires a large tank with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. The fish is omnivorous, so it needs a varied diet with both algae and meaty foods. This species is relatively hardy, but like all Angelfish, it needs specific water conditions to thrive in captivity.

The Emperor Angelfish is a dominant fish, so you must choose tank mates who can coexist. Despite its semi-territorial nature, the Emperor Angelfish is one of the most popular and expensive marine fish because of its beauty and royal looks.

Leopard Wrasse

The Leopard Wrasse is a pretty and dainty fish with spots and stripes like a leopard. It is found in coral reefs in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Although it is small, usually 4-5 inches in length, its colors and patterns make it a showstopper in any tank.

The Leopard Wrasse can cost $500 to $1,000, depending on size and markings. It is highly sought after in the aquarium trade but requires specific care to thrive in captivity. This fish is sensitive to water changes and needs a well-established reef tank with lots of live rock and hiding places.

In the wild, the Leopard Wrasse spends most of its time hunting for small invertebrates among coral. In captivity, it needs a diet of small meaty foods like brine shrimp and cope pods. This peaceful fish can be kept with other non-aggressive fish in a community tank.

Due to its delicate nature, the Leopard Wrasse is recommended for experienced Aquarius who can give it the care and attention it needs.