The year 2025 has introduced an astonishing variety of fish in the domain of aquatic luxury, commanding exorbitant prices and capturing collectors and enthusiasts around. These aquatic specimens, encompassing vivid ornamental varieties and esteemed culinary treats, represent the zenith of rarity, beauty, and cultural importance. At the pinnacle of this luxurious list is the Platinum Arowana, commonly known as the “Dragon Fish.” Esteemed in Asian civilizations for its purported capacity to confer success and fortune, this fish’s iridescent scales and elegant motions have rendered it a symbol of affluence and prestige. In 2025, a Platinum Arowana sold for an extraordinary $400,000, highlighting its exceptional appeal.
The Bluefin Tuna, a formidable marine species, is also a sought-after delicacy in upscale sushi restaurants.
These Are The Top 10 Most Expensive Fish In The World 2025
1. Platinum Arowana – $400,000
Price- $400,000
The Platinum Arowana is recognized as the most expensive aquarium fish internationally, with prices reaching up to $400,000. This remarkable value is ascribed to its scarcity, unique aesthetic, and cultural importance. Provenance and Aesthetics The Platinum Arowana, indigenous to Southeast Asia, is an uncommon color variety of the Asian Arowana. The distinctive platinum hue arises from an uncommon genetic abnormality, imparting a remarkable metallic luster. The fish’s elongated form and substantial, metallic scales resemble the mythological Chinese dragon, hence acquiring the moniker “dragon fish.
2. Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray
Price – $100,000
The Polka Dot Stingray, a Freshwater Pet The following stingray, which appears to be of extraordinary beauty, is, in fact, real. It is a well-known fact that the Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray is a stunning and extremely rare species. This species of fish, which is located in the Xingu River basin in Brazil, is identified by its official name, the Xingu River ray. It is not hard to understand why this particular species of fish is the second most expensive in the world. $100,000 is the price tag for it.
3. Peppermint Angelfish
Price – $30,000
An angelfish with peppermint As we continue to offer you with our list of the most expensive fish in the world, we would like to introduce you to the Peppermint Angelfish. An additional member of the angelfish family, commonly referred to by its scientific name, Centropyge boylei. The primary habitat of this species is found in tropical reefs; nevertheless, it is incredibly difficult to locate, which makes it one of the most costly species in the world, trading at $30,000.
4. Bladefin Basslet
Price – $10,000
In the world of marine aquariums, the Bladefin Basslet, also known as Jeboehlkia gladifer, is considered to be one of the rarest and most sought-after fish. Some of the reasons for its notoriety as one of the most expensive aquarium fish include its scarcity, bright coloration, and the vast depths at which it lives. Prices for individual specimens can reach up to $10,000. The stunning red and white appearance of this fish, which normally measures around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) and seldom exceeds 2 inches (5 cm), is one of the reasons it is so well-known. The name “bladefin” comes from the prominent red bar that runs vertically across its body and extends through both the dorsal and anal fins. Additionally, it has a long second dorsal spine that resembles a blade, which is the reason for the name. Both the pelvic fins and the tail fin are white, whereas the tail fin is red with a white edge.
5. Golden Basslet
Price – $8,000
Following the Golden Basslet on our list of extremely costly fish is the Golden Basslet. Furthermore, the Golden Mini Grouper is another name for this adorably small fish. Specifically, reef aquariums are the ideal environment for it to thrive in. As low as $8,000 per individual, you can get your hands on one of these adorable little guys.
6. Neptune Grouper
Price – $6,000
In the family of fish known as groupers, the Neptune Grouper is considered to be one of the most exquisite and distinctive fish. This fish lives in deep water and is extremely difficult to locate, and even more difficult to capture. This fish can cost up to $6,000, and it is not hard to understand why.
7. Australian Flathead Perch
Price – $5,000
The first fish on this list to include a flathead is the Australian Flathead Perch, which is also referred to by its scientific name, Rainfordia opercularis. This species is exceedingly popular and can only be found in the coral reefs of western Australia on a very infrequent basis. All of these factors contribute to the fish’s high price. The value of $5,000 is exceptionally high. In the aquarium hobby, the flathead perch, also known as Rainfordia opercularis, is considered to be one of the rarest reef basslets ever observed. LiveAquaria has been tempting with the promise of presenting this species. The flathead perch was introduced to us for the very first time through a specimen that was obtained by Matt Wandell, who works at the Steinhart Aquarium. Over the course of the past few months, we have witnessed representatives from Japanese marine aquarium stores offering specimens of flathead perch for sale. These representatives have sold their specimens for prices that are more than eight thousand dollars.
8. Wrought Iron Butterflyfish
Price – $2,700
Chaetodon daedalma, more often known as the Wrought Iron Butterflyfish, is a peculiar-looking fish that may be found in the Western Pacific Ocean, close to Japan. Having a body that is completely black with white markings, the fish is not only extremely uncommon but also incredibly distinctive. The sum of all of these factors brings the total cost to $2,700.
9. Clarion Angelfish
Price – $2,500
The scientific name for the stunning Clarion Angelfish is Holacanthus clarionensis. Its primary distribution is along Mexico’s Pacific coast, where it belongs to the angelfish family. Each one costs at least $2,500. An adult Clarion Angelfish can reach a length of 30 centimeters, or around 11 inches. At least 3,600 square meters, or about 558 square inches, of water surface area is required for one specimen. Expansive aquariums are ideal for this species’ upbringing. (e) The minimum volume for a medium aquarium is 113 liters, or 30 US gallons. At least 265 liters, or 70 US gallons, is required for a large aquarium.
10. Candy Basslet
Price – $1,000
Even though it’s the cheapest option, the Candy Basslet is still very pricey considering its diminutive size. This fish has an unusual pattern of red and blue stripes all over its body. One of these terrifyingly swimming aquarium fish can be yours for around $1,000. Along with sea basses, groupers, and reef basslets, the Candy Basslet belongs to the Serranidae family. The number of species of reef basslets in the subfamily Liopropomini ranges from 23 to 27, depending on the source you use. As an aquarium fish, I’ve always loved reef basslets for their resilience, beauty, ease of feeding, resistance to disease, and diminutive size. Additionally, they are perfect for coral reef aquariums because they do not prey on sessile invertebrates.