The 20 Most Coveted Aquarium Fish Among Collectors

Aquarium enthusiasts often seek out rare and exotic fish to add a touch of uniqueness to their collections. From the vibrant Discus Fish to the striking Platinum Arowana, these aquatic treasures captivate with their beauty, rarity, and unique care requirements. This list highlights some of the most sought-after aquarium fish for collectors, detailing their distinctive features, habitat needs, and prices. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or just starting, these exceptional fish will undoubtedly enhance your aquarium experience.

Asian Arowana 

The Asian Arowana, often regarded as the “dragon fish,” is prized for its metallic sheen and graceful swimming. Found in Southeast Asia, this species can fetch prices between $2,000 to $150,000 depending on color and size. Its popularity stems from cultural beliefs, with many considering it a symbol of luck and prosperity. The fish can grow up to 3 feet in length, requiring a substantial tank and specialized care to maintain its vivid coloration. Its rarity and striking appearance make it a top choice for avid collectors, adding both aesthetic and cultural value to any aquarium.

Platinum Arowana 

The Platinum Arowana is an extremely rare variant of the Asian Arowana, distinguished by its pristine white coloration. Valued for its unique beauty and scarcity, it can cost upwards of $400,000. Collectors are drawn to its ethereal appearance and the difficulty in breeding such a rare fish. This species demands specific water conditions and a large, well-maintained aquarium, often requiring advanced filtration systems. Owning a Platinum Arowana is a testament to a collector’s dedication and expertise, symbolizing both prestige and a deep commitment to the hobby.

Discus Fish 

Known for their vibrant colors and striking patterns, Discus Fish are native to the Amazon River basin. They can range in price from $50 to $1,500 depending on their breed and coloration. Discus Fish are social creatures that thrive in schools, requiring warm, soft, and acidic water to mimic their natural habitat. Their care involves meticulous attention to water quality and diet, often including specialized foods to enhance their colors. Due to their delicate nature and stunning appearance, they are a favorite among experienced aquarists looking to create a visually captivating tank.

Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray 

The Freshwater Polka Dot Stingray, native to South America’s rivers, is coveted for its distinctive white spots against a dark body. These stingrays can cost between $1,500 to $4,000, depending on size and pattern. They require a large aquarium with fine substrate to prevent injury to their delicate undersides. These stingrays are relatively hardy but need high water quality and a varied diet of live and frozen foods. Their unique appearance and the challenge of keeping them make them a prized addition to advanced aquariums.

Clarion Angelfish 

The Clarion Angelfish, found near the Revillagigedo Islands in Mexico, is known for its brilliant orange and blue coloration. Prices for this fish can reach up to $7,000 due to its limited distribution and protected status. It requires a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing. This species thrives in well-maintained, stable environments with high water quality. Its vibrant colors and rarity make it a standout choice for marine enthusiasts looking to add a splash of exotic beauty to their collection.

Peppermint Angelfish 

The Peppermint Angelfish, hailing from the deep waters of the Central Pacific, is one of the rarest and most expensive marine fish, with prices reaching $30,000. Its striking red and white stripes make it highly sought after by collectors. This fish requires a specialized deep-water aquarium setup, often with cooler temperatures and low light conditions. Due to its rarity, it is seldom seen in the hobby, making it a coveted prize for serious marine aquarists. The Peppermint Angelfish’s beauty and exclusivity set it apart as a pinnacle of marine fish collecting.

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish 

Native to the waters around Japan, the Wrought Iron Butterflyfish is valued for its unique dark coloration with metallic sheen. This species can command prices around $2,700 due to its limited range and distinctive appearance. It requires a large, well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock for grazing. These butterflyfish are relatively hardy but need stable water conditions and a varied diet to thrive. Their unusual coloration and graceful swimming make them a striking addition to any reef aquarium.

Masked Angelfish 

The Masked Angelfish, endemic to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is noted for its stunning white body and contrasting black mask. Prices for this fish can exceed $20,000 due to its rarity and protected habitat. It thrives in large, well-maintained reef tanks with plenty of swimming space and live rock. This species requires high water quality and a diet rich in algae and meaty foods. Its elegant appearance and exclusivity make it a highly prized specimen for advanced marine aquarists.

Golden Basslet 

The Golden Basslet, found in deep waters off the coast of the Caribbean, is known for its brilliant golden-yellow coloration. With prices reaching up to $8,000, it is one of the most expensive small marine fish. It requires a specialized deep-water tank setup with cooler temperatures and subdued lighting. Due to its deep-water habitat, it is rarely seen in the hobby, making it a sought-after prize for collectors. The Golden Basslet’s vibrant color and rarity make it a gem in any marine collection.

Zebra Pleco 

Native to the Xingu River in Brazil, the Zebra Pleco is renowned for its striking black and white striped pattern. This small freshwater catfish can cost between $200 to $600 due to its rarity and unique appearance. It requires warm, well-oxygenated water and a diet rich in protein to thrive. Zebra Plecos are nocturnal and prefer tanks with plenty of hiding places. Their distinctive look and the challenge of breeding them in captivity make them a favorite among freshwater enthusiasts.

Candy Basslet 

The Candy Basslet, native to the Caribbean, is celebrated for its vivid purple and orange stripes. Prices for this small but stunning fish can reach $1,000 due to its limited availability and striking colors. It thrives in well-maintained reef tanks with plenty of hiding spots and a diet of small meaty foods. The Candy Basslet is relatively hardy but requires stable water conditions to maintain its vibrant colors. Its beauty and rarity make it a highly desired addition to marine aquariums.

Japanese Koi 

Japanese Koi are ornamental carp bred for their vibrant colors and patterns, with prices ranging from $100 to $10,000 depending on their lineage and markings. They require large ponds with excellent filtration and aeration to thrive. Koi are known for their longevity, with some living over 50 years in optimal conditions. Their striking appearance and cultural significance in Japan make them a popular choice for outdoor water gardens. Koi competitions and breeding add to their allure among enthusiasts worldwide.

Gem Tang 

The Gem Tang, found in the waters around Mauritius, is prized for its dark body adorned with white spots. This marine fish can cost up to $3,000 due to its limited distribution and stunning appearance. It requires a spacious reef tank with plenty of live rock and high water quality. The Gem Tang is relatively hardy but needs a diet rich in algae to maintain its health. Its unique coloration and rarity make it a standout addition to any marine aquarium.

Arapaima 

The Arapaima, native to the Amazon Basin, is one of the largest freshwater fish, capable of reaching lengths over 10 feet. Prices for juvenile Arapaima can range from $200 to $1,000. It requires an enormous tank or pond with exceptional filtration and oxygenation. Arapaima are powerful predators and need a diet of large, meaty foods. Their impressive size and prehistoric appearance make them a fascinating but challenging choice for experienced aquarists.

Borleyi Cichlid 

The Borleyi Cichlid, native to Lake Malawi in Africa, is admired for its bright blue and orange coloration. These freshwater fish can cost between $50 to $200 depending on their size and color intensity. They thrive in large tanks with rocky landscapes and plenty of hiding places. Borleyi Cichlids are relatively easy to care for but require stable water conditions and a varied diet. Their vibrant colors and active behavior make them a popular choice among cichlid enthusiasts.

Blue-Eyed Pleco 

The Blue-Eyed Pleco, found in Brazil’s Rio Xingu, is distinguished by its striking blue eyes and unique body patterns. Prices for this rare pleco can reach up to $600. It requires warm, well-oxygenated water and a diet rich in protein. These plecos prefer tanks with plenty of hiding places and strong water flow. Their unusual appearance and the challenge of breeding them make them a sought-after species for serious freshwater aquarists.

Clown Triggerfish 

The Clown Triggerfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, is known for its bold black and white pattern with yellow highlights. This striking marine fish can cost between $200 to $800 depending on size and coloration. It requires a spacious tank with plenty of hiding spots and a varied diet including shellfish to wear down its teeth. Clown Triggerfish are hardy but can be aggressive, requiring careful tank mate selection. Their distinctive look and lively personality make them a favorite among marine fish keepers.

Emperor Angelfish 

The Emperor Angelfish, found in the Indo-Pacific, is famous for its vibrant blue and yellow stripes. Juvenile specimens, with their unique circular patterns, can cost around $100, while adults can reach prices up to $500. They require large, well-established reef tanks with plenty of swimming space and live rock. This species needs a varied diet including sponges and marine algae to maintain its health. The Emperor Angelfish’s beauty and regal presence make it a standout in any marine aquarium.

Leafy Sea Dragon 

The Leafy Sea Dragon, native to the southern coast of Australia, is renowned for its elaborate leaf-like appendages that provide camouflage. Prices for these extraordinary creatures can reach up to $10,000 due to their rarity and specialized care requirements. They thrive in large, cool-water tanks with gentle water flow and a diet of live mysis shrimp. Leafy Sea Dragons require meticulous attention to water quality and temperature. Their unique appearance and the challenge of keeping them make them a prized addition for dedicated marine aquarists.

Golden Nugget Pleco 

The Golden Nugget Pleco, native to Brazil’s Rio Xingu, is celebrated for its black body covered in bright yellow spots. Prices for this pleco can range from $50 to $200 depending on size and pattern. It requires warm, well-oxygenated water and a diet rich in algae and vegetables. These plecos prefer tanks with plenty of hiding places and strong water flow. Their striking appearance and the challenge of breeding them make them a favorite among pleco enthusiasts.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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