Koi fish are part of the carp family and are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive color patterns. They are among the most beautiful fish in the world, and they can also be the most expensive. Koi fish have been around for millions of years, but interestingly, they did not originate in Japan—contrary to popular belief. Although their history may not be entirely accurate, it’s believed they originated in China in the 4th century. However, you can find koi fish breeders all over the world, and some koi go for an astonishing amount of money.
In this guide, we’ll list 10 of the most expensive koi fish ever sold, beginning with the most expensive (which will make your eyes bulge) to the least expensive.
The 10 Most Expensive Koi Fish in the World
1. Kōhaku
Image Credit: Just Koi, Unsplash
As we’ve stated, we’re listing these koi fish from most expensive to least expensive, but get ready for your jaw to drop on this first one—according to Business Insider, in 2018, a Kōhaku koi fish named S Legend sold for a cool $1.8 million. This red and white female fish was 3 feet, 3 inches long, and was the most expensive fish ever sold. She was bought by a collector at the Saki Fish Farm in Hiroshima and won first prize in the All Japan Koi Show in 2017. Some sources report that the fish died in 2019, although this is not confirmed as of this writing.
2. Ogon
Image Credit: Quality Stock Arts, Shutterstock
There are many varieties of the Ogon koi fish, with three being the most popular: Platinum, Yamabuki, and Orenji. One particular Yamabuki koi fish sold for $700,000 in 2018. Yamabuki koi are bright yellow with metallic scales and are known for their unique coloration.
3. Asagi
Next up on our list is the Asagi koi fish. In 2016, a particular Asagi sold for $152,000. The Asagi has beautiful blue-gray colors with distinctive red and white markings. Some refer to the red and white markings as a gorgeous sunset. The Asagi is considered one of the oldest koi fish breeds in the world.
4. Showa
Image Credit: Vital Safo, Shutterstock
Showa koi fish have three colors with distinctive and unique patterns of swirls and patches. They are easily identified by a black pattern atop the head. Even though the Showa koi is one of the more expensive koi fish, there are varying reports of just how expensive they are. One source reports a Showa sold for $16,000, while another reports that a Kin Showa sold for $950,000 in 2017.
5. Beni Kikokuryu
The Beni Kikokuryu is known for its metallic shine and scaleless or partially scaled bodies. These koi fish have an orange or red pattern on top mixed with black and white patches. These beautiful and desirable koi fish have many patterns and can sell for as much as $2,000.
6. Tancho
Tancho koi fish are easily recognizable by the single red dot on top of its head— “tancho” means “red sun.” These koi fish are held in high regard by the Japanese and are among one of the most popular koi fish to own. You can expect to shell out anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for one of these beauties.
7. Taisho Sanke
Image Credit: Arunee Rodloy, Shutterstock
The Taisho Sanke koi fish has a white body with red and black markings and is valued for its balanced and symmetry. These koi fish can run up to $3,000 when you buy from koi fish breeders. They are known for their distinctive combinations of colors and patterns and are part of the elite group of Kohaku and Showa koi. One thing’s for sure: it’s an expensive fish!
8. Utsuri
Image Credit: koifish, Shutterstock
This type of koi fish has two variations: Hi and Ki. The Hi variation is black with red coloring, and the Ki is black and yellow. A true Utsuri will have patterns that stretch from the head to the tail and can cost around $600 but can run up to $1,000.
9. Doitsu
The Doitsu koi fish was developed over 100 years ago and is another one with a scaleless body, which makes it unique and pricey in the koi fish world. Their base colors range from yellow, white, and red. One of these beauties can cost you $500 or more.
10. Matsuba
Image Credit: Shinnosuke Matsubara, Wikimedia Commons (Freshwater and Marine Image Bank, no copyright)
The Matsuba koi fish are unique in that they have one solid color on their bodies with a “pine comb” pattern, which is created by metallic scales with dark centers along their edges. The pine comb pattern is black and stands out against the solid color, which can be yellow, red, or silver.
Conclusion
It may be hard to believe how much koi fish sell for, but koi fish enthusiasts are willing to fork over big bucks for these beauties. These ornamental fish add vibrant colors to any outdoor pond, and the constant activity is fun to watch. They can live for up to 50 years old in the proper conditions. Koi fish have a rich history, and their beauty is something to be admired.
While some have sold for an incredible amount of money, you can buy them fairly reasonably if you want to start your own koi fishpond.
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