Finally we have collected the list of most expensive aquarium fishes in the world in 2024. Fishes are one of the most eye soothing creatures gifted by nature. It is not possible for all the people to enjoy the bliss of seeing a fish in the deep sea.
Aquarium can be considered as a replica of those fish’s living space. Incredibly, some aquarium fishes are so expensive. However, hobbies always win the race and defeat the money. You may check our recent publication of the most expensive hobbies in the world.
Let’s see the world’s most expensive aquarium fishes in 2024 including price, sizes, colors, lifespan, attractions, etc.
01. Platinum Arowana
Price: $400K USD
Size: 4 Feet 9 Inch
Colour: Silver White
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Minimum accommodation size: 250 Gallons
Platinum Arowana is the most expensive aquarium fish in the world till 2024. Without any misnomer the name “Platinum” reflects two especial aspects of the fish. One its colour and another is its aristocracy. As it is the most expensive in the world of aquarium fish.
It is a huge fish and its size is similar to a medium height human being. It comes from the freshwater arena. The body is slim yet the colour makes it more mesmerizing. It has a great ability to jump like monkeys. The patterns of the fish shine like glitters. The fish looks different as its teeth are rooted upward and its scales.
This expensive piece of creature lives only 10-15 years even after being treated by specialists. It is also known as Dragon fish because of its glittery body and sharp scapes. In Asia some people believe that the fish is a fortune changer. The price is $400,000 USD.
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02. Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray
Price: $100K USD
Size: 1 Feet 6 inch
Colour: Black /White /Brown
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Minimum accommodation size: 500 Gallons
Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray is also one of the most expensive aquarium fishes in the world in 2024. This black and white dotted fish is a bit mysterious. It can see not only the objects that the normal eye area covers but also objects situated above the area.
It can sense the presence of other living organisms with the help of their electroreceptor Lorenzini. It hides itself in the sand at daylight and comes out in the night in search of their food. It has a smooth oval shaped body. It needs 500 gallon water to live smoothly.
This is a native fish of Brazil. Exporting fish from Brazil is now illegal. So even having money in your pocket you can hardly have this fish. The price is $100,000 USD.
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03. Xingu River Ray
Price: $100k USD
Size: 11.8 to 15.7 inch
Weight: 17kg
Life Span: 14 Year
Tank Size: 200 Gallons
Color: Black
Family: Potamotrygonidae
Species: P. leopoldi
Scientific Name: Potamotrygon Leopoldi
Phylum: Chordata
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Timid
Xingu River Ray fish is also known as polka dot stingray. This fresh water fish likes to stay at the bottom of the rock. This fish looks like a black and white flat stone. It is seen in the Xingu river of Brazil. The fish has venom in its tail.
Xingu River Ray is also considered as one of the most expensive aquarium fishes in the world till 2024. The venom loses its power gradually with its growing age but the jaw becomes sharper and stronger with counting ages.
They have a strong sense in their mouth and nose to detect electric fields created by other animals. They are generally kept alone in the aquarium. The price range is higher as it is now illegal to export from Brazil.
04. Peppermint Angelfish
Cost: $30K USD
Size: 3 inch
Colour: Orrangish Red and white
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Minimum accommodation size: 125 Gallons
These little fishes beautifully share the orangish red and white colour in its body. The name originated from peppermint sweet because of the colour. The white stripes are so clean lined.
The fish stays with other species easily. It is a shy fish. It hides itself in sand or in any shaded place in the presence of humans. It is basically found in Rarotonga and Cook Island in Pacific. A piece of peppermint angelfish is currently displayed publicly in Hawaii at Waikiki aquarium. The price is $30,000+ USD.
05. Masked Angelfish
Price: $20K USD
Size: 8 inch
Colour: Black and white
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Minimum accommodation size: 125 Gallons
This charming fish is found at a deep sea area between 23m to 174m in Hawaiian Island. It has a decent catkin-like white body and it seems like it has a black mask on the mouth.
They are very ordinary and at the same time exquisite. Most of its tails are black and the mouths are partially masked like black. The white body has artistic patterns with a slide glittery appearance. This is again a scarce one as it is commercially banned. The price is $20,000+ USD for each.
06. Bladefin Basslet
Price: $10K USD
Size: 1.5 inch
Colour: Red and white
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Minimum accommodation size: 50 Gallons
The name comes from its Dorsal Fin which looks like a blade. This tiny creature is found in very deep water almost under 500 feet from the sea surface and therefore it is very rare and expensive.
It is only 1.5 inch which looks so adorable. It seems it costs for each of the inches. This fish is very tricky to hunt. And in an aquarium it needs a minimum of 50 gallons of water to survive. This rare species costs $10,000 USD.
07. Golden Basslet
Price: $8K USD
Size: 2 inch
Colour: Gold
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Minimum accommodation size: 50 Gallons
Golden Basslet is a widely popular and expensive aquarium fish in the world. This sparkling golden fish is so magnificent. This species is difficult for the divers to find as it is very tiny in size.
The colour is so vibrant with a bit of purple near the mouth area. It easily shares its tanks with other fishes in the aquarium. At least a 50 gallon water tank is needed for this tiny 2 inch fish. Its price is $10800 USD for per 2 inch (1 piece)
08. Neptune Grouper
Price: $6K USD
Size: 6 inch
Colour: Pink and Yellow
Lifespan: 30+ years
Minimum accommodation size: 200 Gallons
Neptune Grouper is a very winsome fish which stays between 260 to 800 feet under the sea surface. A baby Neptune Grouper’s price and demand is much more than an older one. As a juvenile one easily adapts with the tank life.
This fish is generally found at food markets. The colour combination of this fish is outstanding with the mixture of yellow base and purple stripes. Again this is not an easily available fish. The price of this fish is $8,000 USD per piece.
09. Australian Flathead Perch
Price: $5K USD
Size: 6 inch
Colour: orange and blue
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Minimum accommodation size: n/a
This fish looks like an adroit painting of an artist. The blue stripes with a bit of black on an orangish surface make the fish artistic. Australian Flathead Perch is also commonly known as an expensive aquarium fish in the world.
This is less famous than other Basslet series because of being rare. A juvenile Australian flathead perch is costlier than the older one. The juvenile ones are so vibrant orange. Unlike other fish this fish has a feather which makes it more charming. The price is $5,000+ USD
10. Red and White Koi Carp – $3k USD
Price: $3k USD
Size: 24-36 inch
Weight: 12kg
Life Span: 20 Year
Tank Size: 250 Gallons
Color: red, gold, orange etc.
Family: Cyprinidae
Species: Cyprinus Rubrofuscus
Scientific Name: Koi
Phylum: Chordata
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
This is such a wonderful-looking fish with some red, orange globe map-like print on it. No doubt, this beautiful color along with these unique prints makes them one of a kind.
Another surprising fact about the fish is that they have significant symbolization in many areas of Japan; for example, the red koi signifies the female member of the family. It also has some connotation with love.
When the red or orange koi symbolizes the mother of the family, the other ones, more specifically, the pink fishes symbolize the daughter. However, the red koi can also portray power as this color has a clear connection with strength and bravery.
They also have associations with good luck for some groups of people over there. They are mostly cold-water fish and based on their ability to adapt to different climatic conditions they usually come in various colors, shapes and species. They have their origin in Japan and are mostly cultivated in this country.
11. Wrought Iron Butterfly Fish
Price: $ 2.7K USD
Size: 5.9 inch
Colour: Black and grey
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Minimum accommodation size: 80
They are native to the western Pacific Ocean, near central and southern Japan. They can grow up to 15 cm long. In spite of being noted as a playful fish variant by the experts, they are also described as one of the most personable butterfly fishes out there.
However, they are a rare sight both in the collections as well as in nature due to their restricted range. Not only that, they are unusual among the chaetodon family of butterfly fishes because of their unique stark black shade.
This fish eats planktons which means the most little creatures in the sea. Their lifestyle is a bit different so it becomes very difficult for them to cope up with tank life.
This fish really looks like it has worn a metallic armour because of its colour. They are very united and stay together at least 10 pieces on the sea. The market value of this piece is $2700+ USD
12. Clarion Angelfish
Price: $2.5K USD
Size: 10 inch
Colour: Orange and blue
Lifespan: 4+ years
Minimum accommodation size: 100
Clarion angelfish is a salt water fish. This fish can grow up to 10 inches. This is a very common fish. Its colour is very vivid. The bright colour contains a light orange body with royal blue painting like dots and stripes.
Just behind the head they have a bright orange area. The younger ones may appear different for the narrow blue bars on their side and also for the pair of blue bars on their head. However these bars disappear with their growth. They are non- migratory and remain active in the day and lethargic at night.
The fish looks so trendy and classy with the two colours. Most of them are found in central Pacific. The price range varies up to $7,000 USD but the regular price is $2500 USD
13. Red Texas Cichlid – $350 USD
Price: $350 USD
Size: 6 inch
Weight: N/A
Life Span: 15 Year
Tank Size: 44 Gallons and more
Color: Red
Family: Cichlidae
Species: H. cyanoguttatus
Scientific Name: Herichthys Cyanoguttatus
Phylum: Chordata
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Aggressive
This is a hybrid variation mostly seen in the aquarium. This hybrid is generated from the cross-breeding of Flowerhorn Cichlid (Cichlasoma sp.) and Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus). However, It does not exist in nature.
It is a second-generation hybrid from the already cross-breed Flowerhorn Cichlid. Flowerhorn cross breeding began in the mid-80s and since then they have been cross-bred with multiple other species and came up with the variance in coloration and pattern most of which are the same as the wild ones.
This fish is quite aggressive in nature and before keeping them inside the aquarium, their aggression should come into consideration. Despite being aggressive you can not deny their beauty for that as they are considered as one of the most beautiful aquarium hybrids in the world.
14. Apistogramma – $60 USD
Price: $60 USD
Size: 3-3.5 inch
Weight: 150g
Life Span: 5-10 Year
Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Color: lemon, yellow
Family: Cichlidae
Species: Apistogramma
Scientific Name: Cichlid
Care Level: Medium to hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Being a bit different from the other cichlid species, the Apistogramma, nicknamed Apisto’s, is the small and bright colored fish that can be kept in the freshwater community tank.
These fishes are expensive to buy and Keeping them in the aquarium and breeding them is not as easy as it seems. It is kind of a challenge to give them appropriate space so that they don’t fight among themselves or eat them up.
The only way to avoid this aggression is keeping appropriate density- neither too low nor too high. Changing the water is also very important to keep them in balance. They are not very difficult to breed in your home aquarium so give it a try.
15. Albino Manacapuru Angelfish – $45-65 USD
Price: $45-65 USD
Size: 6 inch
Weight: 1.5kg
Life Span: 10 Year
Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Color: white, silver, yellow, orange, pink eyes
Family: Cichlid
Species: F. Angelfish
Scientific Name: Freshwater Angelfish
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
This is a beautiful wild type freshwater angel which is found mostly in the slow moving acidic waters. They are mostly seen near to where the Rio Negro meets the Amazon in Brazil. The Angels that are found in this specific region sports vivid red coloration in their face that spread around the dorsal fin.
With age this coloration gets developed and intensified and looks best if they are kept under ideal water parameters, indicating a temperature (80F+) and soft, acidic water (pH 6 – 6.5). They are quite alike to other freshwater angels. They are best kept in groups in their young stage and eventually will form pairs as they turn into adulthood.
16. Discus Fish – $40-$85 USD
Price: $40-$85 USD
Size: 2.5 inch – 3.5 inch
Weight: 150 – 250g
Life Span: 10 Year
Tank Size: 50-100 Gallons
Color: yellow, brown, blue, red
Family: Cichlidae
Species: Symphysodon
Scientific Name: Symphysodon
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Discus are members of the Family Cichlidae and are sometimes referred to as “King of the Aquarium” because of their majestic beauty and regal colors Discus are generally calm, peaceful fish, but as cichlids, they can be aggressive toward one another, especially when attempting to pair off and spawn.
Shy or submissive fish should be removed if they are unable to compete. Most serious hobbyists do not mix their discus with too many other species. Some suitable aquarium mates include cardinal tetras, neons, emperor and rummynose tetras as well as clown loaches and dwarf cichlids, such as rams and Apistogramma species. All of these fishes tolerate the high temperatures and low pH/hardness required by discus.
17. Ram Cichlid – $25 USD
Price: $25 USD
Size: 2-3 inch
Weight: 50g
Life Span: 3 Year
Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Color: Yellow, Blue and White
Family: Cichlidae
Species: M. Ramirezi
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi
Care Level: Medium
Temperament: Peaceful
These cichlid fishes have vibrant colors spread all over their body. It is also considered an expensive aquarium fish in the world. They are very peaceful and suitable for aquariums. They can be a colorful addition for your tank.
However, these fishes are not a good start for the beginner as they demand strict water conditions. They are very beautiful and most likely to captivate your heart within a few minutes. Altogether from breeding to fishing it is a satisfying fish. They are very peaceful in nature but demand great care to grow up .
18. Red Devil Cichlid – $20 USD
Price: $20 USD
Size: 5 inch
Weight: 100g
Life Span: 10 – 12 Year
Tank Size: 55 Gallons
Color: dark brown
Family: Cichlid
Species: A. labiatus
Scientific Name: Amphilophus labiatus
Care Level: Moderately easy
Temperament: Aggressive
They are freshwater cichlid fish and have a unique look. They have an appeal in their appearance and activity level. They are quite aggressive in nature and can tear apart anything their teeth can get into.
However, these fishes have a charismatic personality and tend to build up a bond between them and their owners. In nature they can be found in Nicaraguan lakes. To be more specific they overpopulate lake Nicaragua, lake Managua and lake Xiloa.
Males and females are almost the same with slight differences. The male has a noticeable hump on their forehead. They got vibrant colors spread all around. The brown and grey cichlid is found in the wild. Some are white, yellow and bright red. Usually they are hardy and handy for experienced fish keepers to care for. They only grow and reach a mature stage when perfectly taken care of.
19. African Cichlids – $11 USD
Price: $11 USD
Size: 5 inch
Weight: 100g
Life Span: 10 – 20 Year
Tank Size: 29 Gallons
Color: yellow, red, blue etc.
Family: Cichlidae
Species: Cichlid
Scientific Name: Cichlidae
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Aggressive
Seemingly they belong to the cichlidae family. Cichlids are one of the most diversified groups in fish and they are mostly found in Africa. Almost all African cichlids live in one of these three great lakes in East Africa: Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika.
The most popular species for home aquariums comes from Lake Malawi. They are so popular because they’re some of the most colorful fish available in the market.
Each species sports its own patterns and colors, so you will never be disappointed in choosing one among them that suits you and your tank. Another plus is that they are quite hardy. This helps them to survive any mistakes beginning or any situations beyond your control.
20. Siamese fighting fish – $4-$18 USD
Price: $4-$18 USD
Size: 2.8 inch
Weight: 50g
Life Span: 2 Year
Tank Size: 2 Gallons
Color: red, orange, blue, steel blue, yellow, white, black, pastel, turquoise/green
Family: Gourami
Species: B. Splendens
Scientific Name: Betta Splendens
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Temperament: placid when alone
After the common goldfish, betta fish which is commonly referred to as Siamese fighting fish are one of the most popular fish breeds collected by budding freshwater fish lovers. It’s origin is basically in the shallow waters of Thailand (formerly called Siam, so is their name), Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of China.
The vibrant coloration and long flowing fins of the male members make it one of the most distinctive aquarium fish. Females do not have high coloration as the male members and have much shorter fins. In nature, this species is not that brightly colored.
The male usually can not share the tank with other male members and if put with a species looking alike, they become aggressive as they seem like a rival to them. But the females can co-exist with another female member. They need bigger space than they seemingly need. They are not very difficult to take care of.
#Top 10 Most Expensive Aquarium Fishes in the World 2024
- Platinum Arowana – Price: $400K USD
- Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray – Price: $100K USD
- Xingu River Ray – Price: $100k USD
- Peppermint Angelfish – Price: $30K USD
- Masked Angelfish – Price: $20K USD
- Bladefin Basslet – Price: $10K USD
- Golden Basslet – Price: $8K USD
- Neptune Grouper – Price: $6K USD
- Australian Flathead Perch – Price: $5K USD
- Red and White Koi Carp – Price: $3k USD
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