How much does an aquarium fish cost to buy? Prices by species
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.
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.
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.