Top 10 Most Expensive Goldfish in The World (with Pictures)

Goldfish are generally considered to be inexpensive and easily accessible fish, but some types of goldfish can be quite expensive. Single-tailed goldfish such as the common or comet goldfish (also sold as feeder fish) can sell for less than a dollar, but rare varieties of fancy goldfish can be priced as high as $400 for a single goldfish.

Now, you might be wondering why someone would even be interested in buying such an expensive fish. For many people, goldfish are seen as prized processions, and certain hobbyists and breeders create extra ordinally rare and beautiful goldfish that are deserving of a higher price, as you are paying for the rarity and overall beauty of the fish.

With this in mind, let us take a look at the most expensive goldfish in the world.

The 10 Most Expensive Goldfish in The World

1. Giant Thai Lionchu Goldfish

The giant Thai lionchu goldfish is one of the biggest goldfish we have listed in this article, and it is slightly more challenging to keep than other goldfish varieties. Giant Thai lionchu goldfish have been bred in Thailand and are a combination of the lionhead and ranchu goldfish.

This variety of goldfish is usually sold in a large adult size, hence why they can get quite pricey. Bigger fancy goldfish that have already reached an adult size will always be more expensive than smaller fancy goldfish because they have already been raised out of the sensitive age and size by breeders that can take years to achieve from home.

The color that forms the priciest and most desirable in this hybrid goldfish variation is the white and orange combination, or the black and orange mix that can sell for up to $500.

2. Tosakin Goldfish

The Tosakin goldfish is the queen of Japanese goldfish, and they can easily sell for up to $600 as an adult. Tosakin goldfish have a flowy and long caudal fin that looks like a butterfly when viewed from above.

It is for this reason that Tosakin goldfish are often kept in ponds, large tubs, or breeding pools where their beauty can be admired from above rather than kept in a side-view aquarium. Tosakin goldfish come in bright orange with a white semi-transparent tail.

3. Panda Oranda Goldfish

The magnificent panda oranda goldfish is pricey for a reason, as their colors and markings are unique, and their appearance is difficult to achieve. Panda oranda goldfish can grow up to 10 inches, and they have a jelly-like head with deep black and metallic white markings that makes them rewarding to own.

Adult panda oranda goldfish can easily sell for up to $200, and you can find these goldfish from breeders who specialize in breeding healthy and lively panda oranda goldfish.

4. Short-Tailed Ryukin Goldfish

Ryukin goldfish might be popular in the goldfish hobby, but the short-tailed red and white ryukin is more expensive than other variations. They have compact and rounded bodies with short tails and distinctive humps on their backs like a typical ryukin goldfish.

Short-tailed ryukin goldfish are available in a variety of different colors, but most of their coloration is based on a silvery-white metallic color with either orange, red, yellow, or gold to form the markings.

5. Pandamoor Goldfish

The pandamoor goldfish is a stunning variety of goldfish that has white and black markings. Although the black moor goldfish is quite common, the panda variation is not, which is why they are more expensive.

Pandamoor goldfish have round and protruding eyes that are ringed with white and blue, and there can be a reddish pigment surrounding the eyes. These goldfish grow up to 10 inches in size and can cost up to $150 depending on their size.

6. Celestial Eye Goldfish

Celestial eye goldfish have an unusual eye placement. Their eyes are protruding like a telescope goldfish, but they face upwards instead which gives them a unique appearance. Larger celestial eye goldfish generally cost more, and certain color patterns such as the purple pompom celestial eye goldfish can cost up to $200.

Since the eye placement of the celestial eye goldfish makes it more difficult for them to find food, they are not the best goldfish for beginners, and they should be kept in an aquarium with other slow-moving fancy goldfish.

7. Butterfly Tail Goldfish

The butterfly tail goldfish is one of the most beautiful goldfish varieties out there. These types of goldfish have a long tail that flows around their body, giving them a butterfly-like appearance when viewed from above similar to the Tosakin goldfish.

Butterfly goldfish come in a range of different colors and markings, with orange and black being the most expensive. Black, white, and reddish-orange markings on butterfly goldfish look spectacular on butterfly goldfish, which is why some larger butterfly goldfish can cost up to $200.

8. Chocolate or Purple Pompom Goldfish

The pompom goldfish has a unique appearance that sets them apart from other goldfish with a fleshy growth that looks like jelly growing around their mouths. The fins are similar to an oranda or lionhead goldfish, and they have small slightly protruding eyes.

The purple or chocolate color varieties are the most expensive and desirable colorations from this goldfish breed, sometimes costing up to $300 for an adult. The look of a pompom goldfish isn’t for everyone, but certain goldfish enthusiasts see them as a rare breed that can be as beautiful as other goldfish.

9. Izumo Nankin Goldfish

The Izumo Nankin goldfish is a rare goldfish native to Japan, and it is difficult to find breeders outside of Japan who breed and sell true Izumo Nankin goldfish. These goldfish have a similar appearance to the Ranchu goldfish, except they have visible protruding scales that are similar to a Pearlscale goldfish.

Orange and white are popular and favorite colors with the Izumo Nankin goldfish, and they can sell for up to $150.

10. Crown Pearlscale Goldfish

The delicate and unusual-looking crown Pearlscale goldfish looks like the average Pearlscale goldfish with protruding scales and a round belly, but with an inflated dome on their head that looks like a bubble. When the crown Pearlscale is swimming, the crown on their head moves around, making for an interesting sight.

These goldfish can cost around $50 to $100, and the crown on their head can vary in size depending on the goldfish’s genetics and size.

Since the crown is delicate, injury is common in these goldfish which can lead to the bubble on their head bursting, so hobbyists should take caution when decorating the aquarium since sharp objects can injure the crown.

Conclusion

The different sizes, types, colors, and markings of goldfish are endless, and goldfish breeders are continuously coming up with new variations that are considered rare to the goldfish hobby. Even though many pet stores sell goldfish as cheap pet fish, certain goldfish from breeders can be incredibly expensive, since it takes years to achieve certain goldfish looks that are not commonly seen in the hobby.

Featured Image Credit: dien, Shutterstock