Koi fish are admired worldwide for their beauty, elegance, and symbolism. While many koi are affordable, some have sold for jaw-dropping prices, making them one of the most expensive ornamental fish on the market.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most expensive koi fish ever sold, what makes koi so valuable, and why collectors are willing to pay millions for these stunning creatures.
The Most Expensive Koi Fish Ever Sold
The record for the most expensive koi fish ever sold goes to a S Legend Kohaku Koi, purchased for $1.8 million in 2018.
✔ Price: $1.8 million
✔ Type: Kohaku (Red & White)
✔ Age: 9 years old
✔ Length: 3 feet
✔ Buyer: A collector from Taiwan
✔ Auction Location: Sakai Fish Farm, Japan
This incredible female Kohaku koi was bred by the Sakai Fish Farm, one of Japan’s most prestigious koi farms. It won the All Japan Koi Show, one of the most competitive koi contests in the world.
Why Are Some Koi Fish So Expensive?
Not all koi are worth millions, so what makes certain koi fish so valuable?
1. Rarity & Bloodline
✔ High-value koi come from prestigious Japanese breeders with decades of experience.
✔ Certain koi bloodlines (like Dainichi, Sakai, and Momotaro) are considered the best.
✔ Koi from strong genetics have superior growth potential, color, and patterns.
📌 Example: The $1.8 million Kohaku koi came from a top-tier bloodline, increasing its value.
2. Color & Pattern (Koi Varieties Matter!)
✔ The most expensive koi varieties are:
- Kohaku (Red & White)
- Showa (Black, Red, White)
- Sanke (Red, White, Black)
✔ Koi must have sharp, vibrant colors that contrast perfectly.
✔ The pattern must be symmetrical and well-balanced across the body.
📌 Example: Kohaku koi are the most prized variety due to their clean white base and deep red markings.
3. Size & Age
✔ Bigger koi = More valuable koi.
✔ Large koi (over 30 inches) are rare and expensive.
✔ Older koi (over 5 years) are often more valuable because their colors are fully developed.
📌 Example: The world’s most expensive koi was 3 feet long, adding to its value.
4. Female vs. Male Koi
✔ Female koi are more valuable than males.
✔ Females grow bigger and have better body shape & color retention.
✔ Males tend to have less desirable body proportions.
📌 Example: Almost all high-value koi sold at auctions are female.
5. Breeder Reputation
✔ Koi from famous breeders command higher prices.
✔ Japan’s best koi breeders, like Sakai, Dainichi, and Momotaro, have waiting lists of buyers.
✔ Well-bred koi win championships, increasing their value.
📌 Example: The most expensive koi ever sold was bred by Sakai Fish Farm, a legendary name in koi breeding.
Other Expensive Koi Fish Ever Sold
While the $1.8 million Kohaku holds the record, other koi have also fetched massive prices:
| Koi Name | Variety | Price | Year |
| S Legend | Kohaku | $1.8 Million | 2018 |
| Ginrin Showa | Showa | $500,000 | 2017 |
| Big Girl | Kohaku | $500,000+ | 2015 |
| Koi Queen | Sanke | $300,000+ | 2016 |
Why Do People Pay Millions for Koi Fish?
While spending millions on a koi fish might seem shocking, there are strong reasons why collectors are willing to do so:
✔ Koi Shows & Competitions: Winning koi competitions, like the All Japan Koi Show, increases the fish’s value significantly.
✔ Status Symbol: Just like rare art pieces, cars, or jewelry, high-quality koi are a status symbol for wealthy collectors.
✔ Investment: Prize-winning koi can increase in value over time, making them a potential investment.
✔ Cultural Significance: In Japan, koi symbolize good luck, prosperity, and success.
📌 Example: The buyer of the $1.8 million koi likely purchased it as an investment and for prestige in the koi community.
Can Regular Koi Owners Buy Expensive Koi?
Not all koi cost millions! Here’s a rough guide on koi pricing:
✔ $10–$100: Basic pet koi (small, standard patterns).
✔ $100–$1,000: Better quality koi from breeders.
✔ $1,000–$10,000: High-quality koi with good bloodlines.
✔ $10,000+: Championship-level koi with perfect patterns.
📌 Tip: Even if you can’t afford a million-dollar koi, you can still get a beautiful, healthy koi for your pond for under $100.
Final Thoughts
The most expensive koi ever sold was a $1.8 million Kohaku koi, setting a record in the koi world. The price of koi depends on bloodline, color, size, and breeder reputation, with serious collectors willing to pay top dollar for prize-winning fish.
Key Takeaways:
✔ The most expensive koi ever was a $1.8 million Kohaku.
✔ Bloodline, pattern, and size determine koi value.
✔ Female koi are more expensive than males.
✔ Winning koi competitions increases value.
✔ Koi collecting is a status symbol and investment for wealthy buyers.
While you may not spend millions on a koi, understanding what makes koi valuable helps you appreciate their beauty and significance in the world of fishkeeping! 🐟✨
