Top 10 Most Expensive Goldfish in the World (With Info & Pictures)

Goldfish are generally considered to be inexpensive and easily accessible fish, but some types 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 fish.

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 possessions, and certain hobbyists and breeders create extraordinarily rare and beautiful goldfish that deserve a higher price.

With that in mind, let’s look at the 10 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 on this list, and it is slightly more challenging to keep than other varieties. Giant Thai lionchu goldfish have been bred in Thailand and are a combination of the lionhead and ranchu goldfish.

This variety 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 is the priciest and most desirable in this hybrid goldfish variation is the white and orange combination or the black and orange mix, which can sell for up to $500.

2. Tosakin Goldfish

The Tosakin goldfish is the queen of Japanese goldfish, and it can easily sell for up to $600 as an adult. It has 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. It’s bright orange with a white semi-transparent tail.

3. Panda Oranda Goldfish

The magnificent panda Oranda Goldfish is pricey for a reason, as its colors and markings are unique, and its appearance is difficult to achieve. Panda oranda goldfish can grow up to 10 inches, and it has a jelly-like head with deep black and metallic white markings that make it 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 this variety.

4. Short-Tailed Ryukin Goldfish

Ryukin goldfish might be popular in the goldfish hobby, but short-tailed red and white ryukin are more expensive than other variations. They have compact and rounded bodies with short tails and distinctive humps on their backs like 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 foundation 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 them. These goldfish grow to 10 inches in size and can cost up to $150, depending on their size.

6. Celestial Eye Goldfish

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

Since the celestial eye goldfish’s eye placement makes it more difficult for the fish to find food, they are not the best goldfish for beginners and 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. This type of goldfish has a long tail that flows around its body, giving it 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 look spectacular on butterfly goldfish, which is why some larger specimens can cost up to $200.

8. Chocolate or Purple Pompom Goldfish

The pompom goldfish has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other goldfish. Its fleshy growth around its mouth looks like jelly. The fins are similar to those of an oranda or lion-head goldfish, and it has small, slightly protruding eyes.

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

9. Izumo Nankin Goldfish

The Izumo Nankin goldfish is a rare variety native to Japan. It is difficult to find breeders outside of the country who breed and sell true Izumo Nankin goldfish. They have a similar appearance to ranchu goldfish, except they have visible protruding scales, similar to those of pearlscale goldfish.

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

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 it has an inflated dome on its head that looks like a bubble. When the fish is swimming, this “crown” moves around, making for an interesting sight.

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

Injury is common in these goldfish, which can lead to the fragile bubble on their head bursting, so hobbyists should take caution when decorating the aquarium.

Conclusion

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

Featured Image Credit: dien, Shutterstock