How much does an aquarium fish cost to buy? Prices by species
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
Fish prices range from 2-3 € for a guppy to over 50 € for a rare species or an adult discus. Rarity, breeding difficulty and where you buy explain most of this gap, far more than the fish's size itself.
Contents · 5 sections
How much do the most common species cost?
- Guppies, platies, neons: 2 to 5 € each, often cheaper bought in groups of six or ten.
- Goldfish and bettas: 5 to 15 € depending on variety and breeding quality.
- Corydoras, loaches, dwarf catfish: 6 to 12 € each.
- Discus and rare reef species: 30 to 80 € and up, sometimes far more for selectively bred lines.
Why can the same fish cost twice as much elsewhere?
A specialist breeder often charges more than a big-box store, but supplies better-acclimated, healthier fish, which lowers the risk of loss after purchase. A general pet store sells cheaper but sometimes requires extra caution before adding fish to a tank that hasn't finished cycling.
Is the purchase price the only cost to plan for?
No: food, upkeep and any illness treatment add up over time, as detailed in our article on the monthly food budget. A cheap but fragile fish can end up costing more in treatment than a hardier species that was pricier to begin with.
How do you avoid overpaying without realising it?
Always compare several stores before a group purchase, since price gaps of up to 50% for the same species are common. Also be wary of unusually low prices, often a sign of low-quality intensive breeding, less resistant to disease once introduced into your equipped tank.
Frequently asked questions
Are fish bought online cheaper than in a pet store?
Not always once secure shipping and packaging fees are added; compare the total delivered price, not just the listed fish price.
Should you be wary of a fish sold very cheaply?
Yes if the price sits well below market average: it's often a sign of industrial breeding with a higher mortality rate after purchase.
Does price reflect how demanding a species is to keep?
Not always: some cheap species like corydoras remain demanding on water quality, so research actual needs before buying, regardless of price.
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This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Fishkeeping universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.