True aquarium enthusiasts know that keeping fish is not only a hobby. It is an art, an expression of passion, a form of commitment to the beauty of nature, all of it! Many fish are affordable to casual keepers, while others come with price tags that rival luxury cars!
Exotic fish gain their hefty price tags for good reason – they stand out for their rarity, beauty, unique traits, or even stories associated with them! Owning them is a status symbol among collectors and one’s true dedication to fishkeeping!
If you’re curious about the priciest residents of the underwater world, take a look at this list!
1. Clarion Angelfish – $2,500
Imagine a vibrant pop of orange swimming through your aquarium, accentuated by bedazzling electric blue edges! Honestly, it’s no wonder the Clarion Angelfish is regarded as one of the ocean’s finest masterpieces!
They were named after the Clarion Island near Mexico. And guess what? This angelfish is a showstopper that is an undeniable sought-after gem for aquarists who crave exclusivity.
These fish aren’t just expensive to get, though. They’re also expensive to maintain! They need the best possible water conditions and a well-maintained marine environment if you want them to thrive. So, be ready to splurge more than just $2,500!
2. Bladefin Basslet – $4,000
Small in size but mighty in price! The Bladefin Basslet is a tiny, brilliantly colored reef fish known for its bold red-and-white design as if it was meticulously painted by some one-of-a-kind artist! The best part? The colors shimmer under particular types of lights!
You may be wondering, where does the hefty price tag come from? That’s due to its deep-water habitat. To find one, you need advanced diving equipment and immense skill to reach the depths where they live.
Its rarity doesn’t help. It makes them quite exclusive and exquisite fish to keep!
3. Australian Flathead Perch – $5,000
This fish is scarce! It comes from Australia’s Barrier Reef and is quite the marvel. Their design is so detailed it looks like it’s been hand-etched by nature itself! Beauty comes with a price, though. And in this case, it’s $5,000.
I know! That’s quite the amount for a fish. But trust me, it only gets more expensive from here. The reason these fish are so expensive is because of their secretive nature! It’s rarely seen, let alone captured.
This makes it a prized possession for dedicated aquarists willing to go to great lengths (and depths) to add one to their collection! Woah.
4. Neptune Grouper – $6,000
Bold, brilliant, breathtaking! The Neptune Grouper’s bright orange and yellow patterns are quite something. Its vibrant color palette is unlike anything else you’ll find in the ocean – but this isn’t a fish you can easily come across!
Neptune Groupers are found in deep-sea waters. They’re often much beyond the reach of traditional fishing methods. This, of course, makes them rare since they can only be caught with specialized equipment.
Once caught, it’s challenging to keep them alive too!
5. Golden Basslet – $8,000
The Golden Basslet is one of the smallest and most vibrant fish on this list. This tiny, shimmering treasure boasts a deep gold hue that glimmers like a sunbeam trapped beneath the waves!
Sure, the radiant appearance alone would make it a star in any aquarium, but its rarity makes it all the more desirable!
They hide in coral reefs most of the time! That’s what makes them so hard to find. It makes them some of the most expensive fish in the world, but not nearly as expensive as the next few.
6. Freshwater Polka Dot Catfish – $15,000
Another rare beauty, and a living piece of underwater art. These fish are not cheap at all. Their jet-black body, which is dotted with white polka spots all over is a favorite for those who are looking for a luxurious, unique look in their tanks.
Owning one is no easy feat either. This fish requires expert care, pristine water conditions, and a commitment to creating an ideal environment to maintain its health and stunning appearance.
7. Masked Angelfish – $20,000
The Masked Angelfish is the personification of elegance!
They can be found in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Hawaii. Its beauty and scarcity make it one of the most sought-after fish ever – a vision in white, with a bold black “mask” that can’t be seen anywhere else.
Due to their extremely limited numbers, Masked Angelfish are rarely available to collectors. Those who manage to acquire one can enjoy the prestige of owning a fish that few can ever hope to see in person, let alone keep in their tanks.
8. Peppermint Angelfish – $30,000
Few fish are as eye-catching as the Peppermint Angelfish, to be honest with you. Their candy-cane-like red and white stripes are quite a rarity and are found only in the Pacific depths.
Beautiful without a doubt, not just because of their appearance and small size, but because of their darty energy, too! The high price tag means it’s reserved for the most dedicated (and financially flexible) aquarists, though. What a day to be broke!
9. Polka Dot Stingray – $100,000
You thought that polka dots were a one time thing? Well, you’d be wrong. This time, a stingray takes the cake!
They live in the rivers of South America, and they are mesmerizing! A dream come true for those who seek the rarest and most luxurious additions in their aquariums.
Owning one is possible, but not easy. They require a massive tank, perfect water quality, and a huge investment in care and maintenance. Despite this, they might be worth every penny for those who want to elevate their aquariums to extraordinary levels!
10. Platinum Arowana – $400,000
Meet the living underwater crown jewel! This legendary freshwater fish is a marvel of nature, with a shimmering metallic white sheen that looks almost ethereal. They are the most expensive fish on the planet, and you’re about to find out why.
The price which rivals prices of luxury houses comes from the fact that they are both rare, and in high demand! The rare genetic mutation that gives it its unique appearance adds to this price, of course.
They are considered the symbol of wealth in the fishkeeper business, and are basically considered a kind of Holy Grail!