Fish enthusiasts determine the value of a fish based on its beauty, coloring, patterns, rarity, and its availability. Naturally, a fish that is commonly available and easier to breed would be much cheaper than rare and unique specimens.
Let’s take a look at the 6 most expensive aquarium fish in the world:
Platinum Arowana
Priced at $400,000, the Platinum Arowana is the most expensive and raring aquarium fish in the world. The Platinum Arowana has claimed this rank for its mesmerizing color palette, and the challenges of breeding this fish in captivity. The platinum color of this rare fish has been achieved through a rare process of genetic mutation as not all Arowanas are so attractive and prized. These beautiful fish require at least a 25-gallon fish tank, and a professional aquarist to tend to their needs. It also comes with a high-maintenance carnivore diet of small fish, insects and snails.
Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray
The Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray comes with a price tag of $100,000, owing to its U-shaped head, the result of a unique genetic mutation. The black and white polka dot spots give it a magnificent charm as it swims around the aquarium.
Interestingly, the Polka Dot Stingray cannot survive out in the ocean or sea due to its genetically mutated head, as it undermines its ability to hunt and survive. This expensive and rare Freshwater Stingray requires a lot of care and maintenance, especially hand-feeding is cannot feed on its own.
Peppermint Angelfish
The rare and stunning Peppermint Angelfish is a one of its kind beauty, and the only available specimen for public viewing across the world, at Honolulu’s Waikiki Aquarium. It comes with a price tag of $30,000, making it the most expensive reef fish in the world. It is famous for its red, white and peppermint color palette. Fish enthusiasts can explore other varieties in the angelfish species that are easier to look after at home.
Masked Angelfish
A stunning reef fish that is known for its marble white body and black mask, the Masked Angelfish is strikingly rare and beautiful. It comes with a price tag of $20,000, and it is extremely prized and sought after for its uniqueness and lack of colorful markings. The Masked Angelfish stands out with its simplicity and elegance, and it changes many appearances throughout its growing period. This reef fish is extremely rare and mostly found in the northwestern islands of Hawaii.
Bladefin Basslet
Paying a whopping amount of $10,000 for a tiny, 1.5-inches long fish may seem absurd, but the Bladefin Basslet is one of the most sought after and coveted fish across the world. It’s rarity and beauty is aggrandized by its coloration, and the challenge of finding wild specimens of the Bladefin Basslet.
It features a distinctive-looking white fun that depicts a blade, and its white body is covered with red markings. The Bladefin Basslet is native to the Caribbean region, and requires caves and crevices to create a comfortable habitat. Despite its small size, this fish is an aggressive fighter and requires at least 50-gallons of space to swim around.
Golden Basslet
The breathtaking golden color palette of the Golden Basslet makes it a unique beauty with its rich honeycomb patterns and a blend of yellow and tangerine. However, collectors and fish enthusiasts are encouraged to pay a whopping sum of $8000 because of the tough challenge of collecting this rare and recluse fish that resides deep within the sea. It is the smallest member of the Basslet family, and collecting this rare fish is a tough challenge that requires specialized techniques and training.
If you’re an avid collector, it is ideal to do your research on the exotic fish specie that you want to invest in. This will help you understand the various requirements of keeping rare breeds and looking after them adequately.
