Koi fish are one of the most sought-after pond fish, known for their vibrant colors, graceful swimming, and symbolic meaning. But how much do koi fish actually cost? The price of koi can range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on several factors.
In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of koi fish based on size, breed, quality, and where you buy them, so you know what to expect when purchasing these beautiful fish.
1. Price Range of Koi Fish
The cost of koi varies widely depending on the fish’s size, variety, and lineage. Here’s a general price breakdown:
Common Koi Prices by Size
Small Koi (2-4 inches) → $5 – $50 Medium Koi (5-10 inches) → $30 – $200 Large Koi (10-18 inches) → $100 – $1,000 Jumbo Koi (18+ inches) → $500 – $10,000+
Show-Quality Koi Prices
Standard Domestic Koi → $10 – $500 Imported Japanese Koi → $300 – $5,000 High-Grade Champion Koi → $5,000 – $50,000+
Fun Fact: The most expensive koi fish ever sold was a Kohaku koi named “S Legend”, which was purchased for $1.8 million in Japan!
2. Factors That Affect Koi Prices
Several key factors determine the price of koi fish.
1. Koi Variety
Different koi breeds have different price points. Some koi types are more common, while others are rare and highly prized.
Common Koi Breeds (Lower Cost) – Kohaku, Ogon, Doitsu, Butterfly Koi Rare & Premium Koi (Higher Cost) – Showa, Sanke, Shusui, Tancho
2. Size & Growth Potential
Larger koi fish cost more because they have already grown for years under optimal conditions. Small koi are more affordable but will require proper care and nutrition to grow into jumbo koi.
3. Color & Pattern
Koi with vivid, well-defined patterns are more valuable. Breeders look for sharp contrast, symmetry, and intensity in koi markings. A flawless Kohaku or Showa koi with balanced patterns can be worth thousands of dollars.
4. Domestic vs. Japanese Koi
Japanese koi are bred under strict conditions and often have better genetics, colors, and patterns than domestic koi. This makes them more expensive.
Domestic Koi → $10 – $500 Japanese Imported Koi → $300 – $10,000+
5. Breeder Reputation
Buying koi from a reputable breeder or koi farm ensures you get healthier fish with better genetics. High-end breeders in Japan produce koi that fetch thousands of dollars at auctions.
6. Shipping Costs
If buying koi online, factor in shipping costs, which can range from $30 to $200+, depending on the size of the koi and the shipping method.
3. Where to Buy Koi Fish & Their Prices
Koi can be purchased from local pet stores, specialized koi farms, garden centers, and online retailers.
Local Pet Stores & Garden Centers
Price Range: $10 – $200 Pros: Convenient, affordable, instant purchase Cons: Limited selection, quality may vary
Dedicated Koi Farms & Breeders
Price Range: $50 – $5,000+ Pros: High-quality koi, better health & genetics Cons: Higher prices, may require travel
Online Koi Retailers
Price Range: $30 – $10,000+ Pros: Wide selection, rare breeds available Cons: Shipping stress, risk of scams
Trusted Online Koi Sellers
Next Day Koi – Affordable koi, fast shipping
Kodama Koi Farm – High-end Japanese koi
Blackwater Creek Koi Farms – Budget-friendly koi
eBay & Local Marketplaces – Riskier but potential bargains
Tip: Always buy from a reputable seller with good reviews to ensure your koi is healthy and disease-free.
4. Hidden Costs of Owning Koi Fish
Buying koi fish is just the beginning. Owning koi comes with additional costs for proper care and maintenance.
Koi Pond Setup Costs
Pond Liner & Materials – $500 – $5,000 Filtration System – $200 – $3,000 Aeration & Pumps – $100 – $1,000 UV Clarifier (Algae Control) – $100 – $500 Koi Food & Nutrition – $50 – $300 per year
Healthcare & Maintenance Costs
Water Testing Kits – $20 – $100 Medication & Treatments – $50 – $500 per year Winter Pond Heaters – $100 – $1,000 (for cold climates)
Tip: A well-maintained koi pond can increase the lifespan of your fish to 25-50 years, making them a long-term investment.
5. Budget vs. High-End Koi: Which Should You Choose?
Your koi selection depends on your budget and goals.
For beginners: Start with affordable koi ($10-$100) and learn how to care for them before investing in expensive fish. For hobbyists: Consider medium-sized koi ($200-$500) with better genetics and coloration. For collectors & competitors: High-end koi ($1,000+) from Japanese breeders are the best choice for show-quality fish.
Final Thoughts: Are Koi Fish Worth the Cost?
Koi fish can be a budget-friendly hobby or a luxury investment, depending on the quality and variety you choose. Beginners should start with smaller koi and learn proper care before investing in high-end koi. Reputable breeders & online stores offer the best koi for long-term health and beauty. Owning koi requires ongoing costs, including pond maintenance, filtration, and food.
No matter your budget, koi fish are a rewarding addition to any pond, bringing beauty, serenity, and even good fortune to your home! 
