The World's Most Expensive Tropical Fish

Due to the vastness of the ocean, it does not come to a surprise that it has become a home to one of the most unique and colorful creatures found in the planet.

Although some of these vibrant creatures are found in the many of the world’s majestic reefs, some are found into the unreachable recesses of the ocean. One of the most celebrated creatures of the underwater kingdom is the fish. Fishes come in a variety of species which can come be found in many parts of the world.

Due to its rarity, some fish species require special government permits just to own these creatures. To give you an idea of how expensive our swimming friends can be, below is a list of the world’s most colorful and equally expensive tropical fish you can find.

10. Candy Basslet: $1,000

Considered to be one of the most colorful marine fishes, the candy basslet is found mostly in the Caribbean off the coast of Curacao. This fish is not easy to acquire as they do not do very well in captivity despite efforts of being fed and cared for.

9. Clarion Angelfish: $2,500

The Clarion Angelfish is named after one of the most beautiful islands off the Pacific coast of Mexico, part of the Revillagigedo Islands. These fish are brilliantly colored and highly sought after. Although they have been kept in captivity for 40 years, they are rarely found on the market. This is because one must have a special permit from the Mexican Government to collect them.

8. Wrought Iron Butterflyfish: $2,700

The Wrought Iron Butterfly Fish is found off the waters of Japan and grows to approximately 6 inches. Few of them can also be found in the water of North America. They are very active swimmers and are named after the dusky, greyish black with bright yellow accents.

7. Australian Flathead Perch: $5,000

This super rare fish can go as high as $5,000 when it is being sold in the market. They can be found in the waters of Australia and is one difficult catch. They prefer live food like ghost shrimp and plenty of rocks to hide under, but if given proper conditions, it will display itself adequately for onlookers. The Australian Flathead Perch is known for its vivid stripes and colors make it a gorgeous addition to any aquarium.

6. Neptune Grouper: $6,000

This deep water fish is quite rare in the market making it difficult for divers to retrieve them as the divers need to rise slowly to allow decompression. This juvenile species is known for their brilliant shades of yellow and orange but can also display brilliant pink colorations with yellow bands.

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5. Golden Basslet: $8,000

One of the smallest members of the grouper family, these fish are found in both the Pacific and Atlantic. Although hardy, and able to adapt to captivity, it’s rare to see this fish for sale. The reason for their hefty price tag is the fact that they have to be collected using a deep seas submersible craft.

4. Bladefin Basslet: $10,000

Its name comes from the funny blade-like dorsal fin. This fish is found mostly in the Caribbean with coloring that ranges from vivid orange to white. It is quite a small fish as it only reaches a size of approximately 1.5 inches . It is a deep water fish which makes it quite a difficult catch.
3. Peppermint Angelfish: $30,000

This deep water fish is known for its red and white colored stripes. Due to its rarity, its reported that collectors have offered as much as $30,000 for it to be collected. In 2012, only one was available for public at the Waikiki Aquarium.

2. Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray: $100,000

This particular fish was recently on display in Taiwan. It has a unique genetic mutation on the front of its head causing it to look u-shaped instead of round, which is normal for rays. Currently it’s one of the most expensive aquarium fish in Taiwan with a price tag of $100,000.

Due to its strange mutation, this fish would never be able to survive in the wild as it cannot hunt for the shellfish they need to eat. It has to be fed and bred in captivity.

1. Platinum Arowana: $400,000

This fish has a value of approximately $400,000. The common types of Arowana include: the Red Arowana, Green Arowana, Yellow-Tail Arowana, Silver Arowana, Black Arowana and Australian Pearl Arowana.

They are found in nature in South America, Southeast Asia and Africa. In captivity they require at least a 300 gallon tank with plenty of live food such as crickets and worms. They can reach a size of about 35 inches and they can live for more than 50 years. They are intelligent with the ability to recognize individuals and they can be trained to be hand-fed.

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