There are tons of freshwater fish that you can technically keep as pets. However, not all of them make good pets. Some things we all usually consider when choosing our next fish include:
- How they will get along with their future tank mates (our current fish),
- How it changes the maintenance needed for the tank,
- Required diet
And of course, one of the most important factors of all… COST!
There’s a huge range of costs for the freshwater fish available to fish keepers today, with some going for more than $300,000 while others are going for as low as $30. That sounds like a ton of money, but some people do make a living from breeding these fish which helps offset the cost.
Most of these fish are hobby tank-sized, but others require huge spacious tanks for their survival. If you’re even considering getting an expensive fish, remember to study up on the exact environment it thrives in, and set it up properly for them. You’d be wasting your money if you got an expensive fish and plunked it down into an environment it wasn’t suited for. It will just wind up miserable, or worse.
Once you start comparing more expensive fish breeds, you’ll see the main factors that make up its cost are usually:
- Availability / rarity
- Beauty and uniqueness
- Color
With that in mind, discussed below are the most expensive freshwater fish you need to know.
Platinum Arowana
Have you ever imagined spending $400,000 to buy a fish? Well, this is just but the price of one platinum Arowana fish. It’s a freshwater fish that is very rare to find and to breed too. They are gorgeous; their platinum coloring is due to their rare genetic mutation.Â
If you are looking to keep the platinum Arowana as your pet, you will need a 250-gallon fish tank because they can grow up to 3 feet long. It also helps if you already have experience keeping different types of fish, because this one is difficult to care for.
The platinum Arowana fish is a carnivore in nature, and its diet consists mainly of meat. This means it is expensive to keep and maintain too, not just to buy.
Polka Dot Stingray
Polka dot is the other most expensive freshwater fish. The stingray fish costs up to $100,000 each. The Polka Dot stingray fish is unique due to its U-shaped head, which is a genetic mutation. The shape of the head makes it different from the other stingray types.
However, its uniqueness might be a defect too because it cannot survive as a wild fish. It’s not easy to hunt, and therefore it had to be tamed. This type of fish is dark black with white spots around. Besides, its beautiful color makes it attractive to watch while moving around the aquarium.
They require a large aquarium of up to 500 gallons because they can grow up to 18 inches in diameter. This fish feeds a lot because it has a high metabolic rate, and they are active too. It feeds on small fish, worms, and snails, as they are carnivores in nature.
Discus
These first two have been shockingly different from what why hobbyist might afford, or even find in their local market for pet fish. If you’re looking for something a little closer to what you’d find a pet store, look no further than these next three. Starting with…
These fish have unusual looks, and some say that’s what makes them expensive. Perhaps rich guys prefer obviously exotic or rare species that look nothing like what most people own. Discus fish are Amazonian cichlids, and they obtained the name from their round and flat discus-like shapes. They exist in several color variants such as neon red, blue, and yellow.Â
They are a very social species, so if you ever plan to buy them, prepare to get a couple. They usually need planted aquariums and driftwood because that’s their preferred environment and they won’t thrive without it. A good looking and healthy pair of discus goes for around $500.Â
Zebra Pleco
This is a unique exotic fish with bold white and black stripes across its big body. You can see where it gets its name from. Generally, they are small-sized and originate from Brazil in the Xingu basin. A single Zebra pleco will cost you about $300.Â
Now, if you want one of these you’ll need to build your aquarium just right because these animals prefer well oxygenated and fast-flowing waters.Â
If you fail to ensure that its favorable aquarium conditions are maintained, the fish won’t survive! Many individuals who love fish keeping are attracted by the looks of Zebra Pleco. A nice perk is that they are omnivorous, and can feast on a huge variety of different food.Â
Black Devil Catfish
This fish resembles a shark, and they are entirely black in color. It’s among the scariest fish you wouldn’t wish to come across when scuba diving or snorkeling. Get this fish if ever you desire owning a shark but can’t afford it.Â
It makes an excellent choice. The black devil catfish are powerful swimmers like sharks, and they tend to mercilessly attack other fish.Â
Owning this fish will cost you around $900 for an adult and around $300 for a young one. However, you will typically need a huge tank that can accommodate at least 300 gallons. To keep this fish entertained and busy, you will have to add plants and rocks to their tank.
The fish in this list sell at extremely high prices mainly because of their color, variety, and even aggressiveness. If you got the bucks and want an exotic freshwater pet with exceptional features and incredible colors, then pick one in the above choices.
The most expensive fish have general distinguishing features apart from their genetic mutations. These fish are very rare to find, and they are lovely to watch. However, they are costly to buy and maintain. They are mostly kept by highly experienced aquarists who only specialize in keeping them. Having gone through the entire list, you are now aware of the most expensive freshwater fish and their cost. If you’re willing to spend money on an underwater pet, you can try one of the above.