Top 10 Most Expensive Fish in The World

Introduction

Most Expensive Fish: Expensive Fish are not only popular for their beauty, rarity, and nutritious advantages but also for their high prices. Some species are so rare, exotic, or hard to catch that they can sell for enormous amounts of money. This article highlights the top 10 most expensive fish in the world.

These fish are extracted from oceans, rivers, and seas across the world, and their high prices are driven by factors like their rarity, appearance, and high demand. Whether it’s for luxury aquariums or gourmet food, such expensive fishes are prized by collectors and chefs alike.

In this list, we will explore what makes each of these fish so special and why they can cost such an incredible amount.

History About Fishing

(Source: alimentarium.org)

• Around 530 million years ago, the first fish appeared during the Cambrian period.
• The earliest fish lacked jaws and were small filter feeders.
• Approximately 400 million years ago, fish developed jaws, allowing them to bite and feed more effectively.
• During the Devonian period, about 419 to 359 million years ago, fish diversified greatly, earning this era the nickname “Age of Fishes.”
• After the Devonian extinction, bony fish became the dominant group.
• From lobe-finned fish, tetrapods evolved, leading to the emergence of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
• Fish have been a crucial food source for humans since prehistoric times, with fishing becoming a commercial activity in ancient civilizations.
• Deep-sea fishing began in the 15th century and expanded with steam-powered boats in the 19th century.
• In recent decades, fish farming has grown significantly, now producing more seafood than wild fisheries.
• Produces around 200 million tonnes of fish and seafood annually, combining wild catches and aquaculture.
• Overfishing and pollution have led to declines in certain fish populations.
• Throughout history, fish have been symbols in various cultures and featured in art, religion, and mythology.

Types of Fishes

Common Name	Scientific Name	Average Length	Habitat
Goldfish	Carassius auratus	20 cm	Freshwater
Great White Shark	Carcharodon carcharias	4.5  to 6.4 m	Coastal and offshore
Clownfish	Amphiprioninae	10 to 18 cm	Coral reefs
Atlantic Salmon	Salmo salar	71 to 76 cm	North Atlantic
Blue Tang	Paracanthurus hepatus	25 to 31 cm	Coral reefs
Whale Shark	Rhincodon typus	Up to 12 m	Warm oceans
Betta Fish	Betta splendens	6 to 8 cm	Freshwater
Electric Eel	Electrophorus electricus	2 to 2.5 m	Freshwater
Swordfish	Xiphias gladius	2.5 to 3 m	Temperate oceans
Piranha	Pygocentrus nattereri	20 to 30 cm	Freshwater

Top 10 Most Expensive Fish in The World

1. Bluefin Tuna: USD 3.1 million
2. Koi Fish: USD 1.8 million
3. Platinum Arowana: USD 400,000
4. Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray: USD 100,000
5. Peppermint Angelfish: USD 30,000
6. Masked Angelfish: USD 20,000
7. Bladefin Basslet: USD 10,000
8. Golden Basslet: USD 8,000
9. Platinum Alligator Gar: USD 7,000
10. Neptune Grouper: USD 6,000

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 #1. Bluefin Tuna

(Source: fisheries.noaa.gov)

Size and Weight:

• Atlantic bluefin tuna can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) in length and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms).
• Pacific bluefin tuna typically reach about 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) in length and weigh around 130 pounds (60 kilograms). Maximum recorded sizes are 9.8 feet (3 meters) and 990 pounds (450 kilograms).

Lifespan:

• Bluefin tuna can live up to 40 years.

Appearance:

• They have a dark blue-black back and white lower sides and belly.
• Their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies are built for speed, with retractable fins and eyes set flush to their body.

Habitat and Behavior:

• Bluefin tuna are highly migratory, capable of traveling across all oceans and diving deeper than 3,000 feet (914 meters).

Nutritional Content (per 100 grams of raw bluefin tuna):

• Calories: 144 kcal
• Protein: 23.33 grams
• Total Fat: 4.9 grams
• Cholesterol: 38 milligrams
• Selenium: 36.5 micrograms
• Sodium: 39 milligrams

Health Benefits:

• This is a very good source of protein, thiamin, selenium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.

#2. Koi Fish

(Source: pondhaven.com)

Size:

• Domestic koi typically grow to 12–15 inches, while traditional Japanese koi fish can reach up to 26 inches.
• Other lengths are of 36 inches and weigh over 22 pounds.

Lifespan:

• With proper care, koi can live for 20 years or more, making them long-term companions in ponds and water gardens.

Physical Features:

• They possess a deep body, two barbels on each side of the upper jaw, and a serrated dorsal spine.

Colour Variations:

• Includes a wide range of colors, along with a combination of bright gold, orange, silver, white, and black patterns.

Dietary Needs:

• A balanced diet for koi includes proteins (30 to 35%), lipids (up to 12 to 13%), and carbohydrates. High-quality koi foods often list fishmeal, shrimp, or krill among the top ingredients.

Nutritional Content:

• Koi fish contain approximately 130.46 kcal, 6.98 grams of total fat, and 4.23 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams.

Environmental Needs:

• Due to their size, koi require spacious ponds, ideally 1,000 gallons or larger, to thrive.

#3. Platinum Arowana

(Source: simstropicalfish.co.uk)

Scientific Name:

• Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

Maximum Size:

• Up to 3 feet (approximately 91 cm) in length.

Origin:

• Native to Southeast Asia, inhabiting slow-moving waters of rivers and lakes.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 24°C to 30°C
• pH: 6.5 to 7.5
• Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH

Tank Size:

• Adult arowanas need a minimum of 300 gallons (approximately 1,136 liters), while juvenile arowanas can start in a 55-gallon (approximately 208 liters) tank.

Lifespan:

• In captivity, it can live up to 15 years with proper care.

Conservation Status:

• Listed as endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and overfishing.

#4. Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray

(Source: wikipedia.org)

Specifications:

• Scientific Name: Potamotrygon leopoldi
• Common Names: Polka Dot Stingray, Xingu River Ray, White-blotched River Stingray
• Family: Potamotrygonidae
• Habitat: Freshwater rivers, particularly the Xingu River basin in Brazil

Size:

• Disc Width: Up to 40 cm (16 inches)
• Total Length: Up to 75 cm (30 inches)
• Weight: Up to 20 kg (44 pounds)

Reproduction:

• Viviparous: females give birth to live young, typically 4-12 pups per litter

Venom:

• Possesses venomous spines on the tail; venom toxicity decreases with age

#5. Peppermint Angelfish

(Source: animalia.bio)

Scientific Name:

• Paracentropyge Boyle

Family:

• Pomacanthidae

Maximum Length:

• Approximately 7 centimeters (2.8 inches)

Habitat:

• Found at depths of 55 to 120 meters (180 to 394 feet) on coral rubble, overhangs, and caves in steep outer slopes of reefs

Geographical Distribution:

• Endemic to the Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean

Diet:

• Believed to feed on worms, crustaceans, sponges, tunicates, and detritus

Social Behavior:

• Typically found in pairs or small groups

Conservation Status:

• Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN

Nutrient Content:

• High-quality marine proteins from sources like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.
• Supplementation with vitamins A, C, and D is recommended to prevent deficiencies.
• Calcium and phosphorus are vital for bone health and overall well-being.

#6. Masked Angelfish

(Source: reeflex.net)

Scientific Name:

• Genicanthus personatus

Size:

• Up to 8.27 inches (21 cm) in length

Habitat:

• Found at depths ranging from 23 to 174 meters

Temperature Range:

• Prefers water temperatures between 19°C and 25°C

Reproduction:

• Capable of breeding in captivity

Toxicity:

• Toxic hazard is unknown

Conservation Status:

• Listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List

Nutrient Content (per 100g):

• Calcium: 60 mg
• Iron: 0.585 mg
• Protein: 18.1%
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.119 g
• Selenium: 37.8 µg
• Vitamin A: 74.9 µg
• Zinc: 1.41 mg

#7. Bladefin Basslet

(Source: biogeodb.stri.si.edu)

Scientific Name:

• Jeboehlkia gladifer

Maximum Length:

• Approximately 2 inches (5 cm)

Habitat:

• Deep reefs in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from South Carolina to the southern Caribbean Sea.

Depth Range:

• Typically found at depths between 100 to 395 meters (328 to 1,296 feet).

Colouration:

• White to pink to the reddish body with a redhead and nape; a white stripe runs along the centerline of the head from the top lip to the second dorsal spine.

Diet:

• Planktivorous, feeding on small planktonic organisms.

Care Level:

• Expert only; requires a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters.

#8. Golden Basslet

(Source: reeflex.net)

Scientific Name:

• Liopropoma aberrans

Common Names:

• Golden Basslet, Eyestripe Bass

Maximum Size:

• Approximately 7 cm (2.76 inches)

Habitat:

• Found in shallow reef areas, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters

Geographical Range:

• Native to the Caribbean, including regions around Cuba and the Cayman Islands

Water Temperature:

• Prefers temperatures between 23°C and 25°C (73.4°F to 77°F)

pH Range:

• Tolerates pH levels between 8.1 and 8.4

Specific Gravity:

• Requires a specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025

Primary Diet:

• Carnivorous: feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild.

#9. Platinum Alligator Gar

(Source: wikimedia.org)

Scientific Classification:

• The family is of Lepisosteidae and is native to North America.

Size:

• Reaches up to 45 cm in length and weighs approximately 6.5 kg.

Colour:

• It features a creamy-white body with green tinges on the top, a woven-patterned crown on the head, and gill covers with tails that may bear black blotches.

Habitat:

• Large aquariums with powerful filtration systems are preferred, as they produce significant waste.

Water Parameters:

• pH levels between 6.0 and 8.0, hardness from 90 to 450 ppm, and temperatures between 59°F and 89°F.

Diet:

• Carnivorous, feeding primarily on smaller fish, aquatic invertebrates, and occasionally birds or mammals.

Behavior:

• Generally solitary, with a preference for living in closely-knit schools of 3 to 6 individuals.

Lifespan:

• Specific lifespan data is limited; however, alligator gars are known to live for several decades in the wild.

Reproduction:

• Females can produce about 150,000 eggs per spawn.

Conservation Status:

• Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, indicating a stable population in the wild.

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#10. Neptune Grouper

(Source: qualitymarine.com)

Scientific Name:

• Cephalopholis igarashiensis

Common Names:

• Neptune Grouper, Garish Hind, Goldbar Grouper, Japanese Cod, Indian Mibai

Habitat:

• Deep ocean waters of the Western Pacific Ocean, including coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific.

Size:

• Typically ranges from 10 to 18 inches (25 to 46 cm) in length.

Colors:

• Exhibits bright red and yellow patterns, making it highly distinctive.

Diet:

• Carnivorous, feeding on other fish, squids, and crustaceans.

Conservation Status:

• Not evaluated; however, due to its rarity and deep-water habitat, it is not commonly encountered.

Nutritional Content (per 100 grams):

• Calories: 118 kcal
• Protein: 25 grams
• Fat: 1.3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 47 mg
• Sodium: 53 mg
• Potassium: 475 mg
• Calcium: 21 mg
• Iron: 1.1 mg
• Magnesium: 37 mg
• Phosphorus: 143 mg
• Zinc: 0.51 mg
• Copper: 0.05 mg
• Manganese: 0.01 mg
• Selenium: 31.02 mcg
• Vitamin A: 50 µg

Health Benefits of Consuming Expensive Fish

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Many high-priced fish, such as Bluefin Tuna and certain types of mackerel, are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients reduce inflammation, support heart health, and may slow the aging process.
• High-Quality Protein: Fish are a great source of protein, which is essential for maintaining healthy muscles, organs, and blood vessels.
• Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Fish is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which strengthens bones, aids in calcium absorption, helps muscles function, and supports the nervous system

Benefits of Keeping Expensive Fish as Pets

• Watching fish swim can lower stress and anxiety levels.
• Observing aquariums may help reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
• Caring for fish teaches responsibility and offers insights into aquatic life.
• Expensive fish often have vibrant colors, enhancing home decor.
• Unique fish can spark interesting discussions with guests.
• Fish are quiet pets, making them suitable for peaceful environments.
• Aquariums can fit into small living spaces, ideal for apartments.
• Compared to some pets, fish require less daily attention.
• Owning rare fish provides an opportunity to appreciate unique aquatic life.

Conclusion

The article discusses the most expensive fish in the world. Due to their rarity, size, or unique features, these fish can cost millions of dollars. Some are prized for their taste, while others are valued for their beauty or status symbol. Fish like the Japanese Koi and the Bluefin Tuna are among the most expensive species. People are willing to pay large amounts to own or consume these fish.

The high price reflects both the cost of breeding and the special care needed to maintain these extraordinary creatures.