Buying Koi Fish is not a simple decision, let alone keeping it. Prices vary greatly based on the type of Koi fish.
Koi fish are a beautiful addition to your backyard pond or water garden. They come in different vibrant colors and sizes and each type adds more vibrancy and beauty.
I have compiled all the important points that you should consider when looking for high quality Koi fish.
How Much Koi Fish Costs?
The cost of Koi fish depends on on the type of Koi fish and various other factors.
Koi Fish Type |
Koi Price |
| Assorted Grade-A Koi | $8-$20 |
| Grade-A domestic Koi | $10-$17 |
| Large Butterfly Koi | $30-$660 |
| Large to extra-large Koi with rare color patterns | $30-$660 |
| Larger Koi to extra-large Koi with rare color patterns | $100-$2,500 |
| Rare breeds | $200,000 |
Why Koi Fish Are So Expensive?
Read some genuine factors affecting the price of Koi fish.
Color and Patterns
First things first, Koi fish are beautiful. The more vibrant the color patterns, the higher the price tag. People have been breeding Koi fish for centuries. Therefore, there are too many color varieties in the local market.
The most popular Koi fish colors are dark black, bright red-orange, and shining white. Yellow and gray Koi fish are also available to buy because of some hobbyist breeders.
Japanese people massively demand Koi fish because it looks like the Japanese flag.
Size
Size plays a huge role in determining Koi fish cost anywhere. A larger fish, like the Jumbo Koi fish measuring up to 24 inches, is an expensive Koi fish. It mostly ends up in ponds of Koi enthusiasts.
Go for 15 inches of Koi fish, if you are in the market for an inexpensive option.
Age Factor
Koi fish age is also a significant factor in setting up the cost of a Koi fish. A Koi fish between 2 to 4 years old is considered a large fish. If you are looking to purchase older Koi fish, get ready to empty your pockets.
Buying a young Koi fish is better because it will be less in price since no one knows how big it will get or how long it will last.
Gender
The gender of a Koi fish is also crucial in determining its price. A female Koi fish for sale is more expensive as compared to male Koi fish.
It is considered a valuable Koi fish because it can be used for breeding. Also females tend to get more long with the rounder fins.
Genetic Lineage
The most important factor, among other factors, is the genetic lineage. Koi fish can easily be traced back their ancestors.
It increases the Koi fish’s price, just like purchasing a purebred dog over a mutt. I suggest going for domestic Koi fish as a less expensive option.
Body
There is a preference difference in terms of body shape. Japanese prefer Koi fish with neat fins, while in the U.S., long fins are preferred. Just like the colors, a lovely and beautiful body shape brings a higher price.
Breed
As I said before, breeding a Koi fish is easy, and people have been doing it for many years. Due to this there are hundreds of Koi varieties in the market. Some breeds of Koi are valued high for several reasons.
The most common high-quality Koi fish breeds include Doitsu, Ginrin, Asagi, Utsuri, Sanke, Ogon, etc. The prices of these pond fish starts at around $50 and go up to $1000.
What Are The Most Expensive Koi Fish In the World?
The Japanese Koi fish are considered the most expensive among Koi fish. They are imported from Japan and can become an ornamental fish in your fish pond. A large Koi might cost you $10,000.
But don’t worry—you can also find local koi fish for $10 per koi.
What’s The Difference Between Show-Quality Koi Fish and Pond-Quality Koi Fish?
It all comes down to the beauty standards. A Show Koi fish comes has an excellent body, perfect shape, and attractive body pattern. It has the potential to compete in the fish beauty contests, which is why it comes with a higher price tag. Sanke, and Showa are among the best show Koi fish in the world.
The pond Koi fish are also beautiful, but not up to the standards of beauty contests. But this doesn’t mean they are any less beautiful. The purchase price for pond-quality Koi fish is low but they can be a great addition to your ponds.
How Much Does It Cost To Pet a Koi Fish?
After buying a Koi fish, the next decision you have to make is how to set up the best Koi habitat. Taking care of Koi fish is not easy.
It requires your money, energy, and dedication. The Koi experts suggest that taking care of Koi is an expense in itself.
Koi Pond
After buying Koi fish from the local pet store, you need a pond to keep them. The price range greatly varies, but an estimated range is about $800 to $15,000.
Filtration
To keep the Koi fish healthy, you definitely need a good filtration unit. It might cost you between $30 and $500.
Fish Food
A high-end Koi requires a high-end diet. If you own a Japanese Koi fish, its food can cost you $150.
Miscellaneous
Different types of Koi costs different. On average, the annual cost to pet a Koi fish ranges from $890 to $12,900.
FAQs
Q: What is the highest sale of a Koi fish recorded?
A lady named Kohaku recorded the highest sale of Koi fish, about 1.8 million dollars.
Q: Does Koi Fish belong to the Goldfish family?
Yes, Koi fish comes from the same fish family of Goldfish – Cyprinidae.
Q. What is the Lifespan of Koi Fish?
If you keep your Koi fish in a proper fish farm environment, its lifespan can be 40-60 years.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Koi fish is a decision that requires your complete attention. It needs a good investment, proper setup and everything to be top-notch.
Make sure to consider every possible angle before making your purchase decision.
