How Much Does A Goldfish Cost (Based On Breed & Other Factors)

Last Updated on 2025-11-10

Goldfish are a classic first fish—but prices vary a lot by type, size, and where you buy. So, how much does a goldfish cost in 2025? Entry-level varieties from big-box stores often start under $1 for feeder comets and around $5–$12 for common fancies, while premium fancy goldfish from specialty sellers typically run $20–$120+, and show-quality imports can cost several hundred dollars. Below you’ll find current price ranges, what really drives cost, and a realistic look at setup and ongoing expenses.

Table of Contents

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• What Is the Price of a Goldfish (2025)?
• Factors Affecting the Cost of Goldfish
  • Variety & Grade
  • Size
  • Supplier
  • Health & Quarantine
  • Age / Proven Breeders
• How Much Does Owning a Goldfish Cost?
  • Goldfish Cost of Ownership (US, 2025)
    • Monthly / Yearly Running Costs
  • Fish Tank
  • Filter
  • Decorations for Your Goldfish
  • Goldfish Food
• Recap

What Is the Price of a Goldfish (2025)?

Current typical ranges (US): Big-box retailers list many varieties at roughly $4.99–$12.99 (e.g., fantail, black moor, ryukin), while long-bodied pond types like shubunkin and sarasa comet often start around $5.99–$8.99. Specialty online vendors and breeders commonly start fancies (oranda, ryukin, ranchu) around $20–$80, with select grades at $100–$250+. Ultra-select show lines can exceed $500 depending on size, pattern, and pedigree.

Where you buy matters: chain stores tend to be cheapest, while specialist breeders charge more for confirmed variety, better conformation, quarantine, and shipping guarantees. Size also drives price (larger, “jumbo” grades cost more). Sex usually isn’t priced separately for juveniles because it’s hard to confirm reliably at small sizes; adult, proven breeders can command premiums regardless of sex.

Updated sample price list (guide):

• Red Cap Oranda: $8–$40+ big-box; $25–$120+ specialty
• Ryukin (assorted / red / calico): $8–$12 big-box; $30–$100+ specialty; “jumbo” often $40–$120
• Black Moor: $6–$12 big-box; $25–$80 specialty (color changes info)
• Sarasa/Comet: $5–$9 big-box; select grades higher
• Shubunkin: $6–$12 big-box; $20–$60 specialty
• Fantail (red / calico): $5–$12 big-box; $20–$60 specialty
• Wakin / Butterfly / Pearlscale / Ranchu / High-grade Oranda: typically $30–$150+ specialty depending on size and grade
• Domestic Koi (not goldfish, for ponds): commonly $25–$80+ at big-box for small sizes

Note: Feeder-grade comets at some chains can be priced below $1, but these are not recommended for display tanks due to health and quarantine risks.

Average ranges above are based on current listings from major US retailers (e.g., Petco/PetSmart) and reputable online sellers (e.g., LiveAquaria, specialty breeders). Actual in-store prices vary by region, size, and availability.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Goldfish

Several variables change the price you’ll pay: variety and grade, size, source (chain vs. breeder), health/quarantine, and seasonal supply. Here’s how each one works in 2025.

Variety & Grade

Rarer or more selectively bred types (e.g., ranchu with refined head growth, short-body orandas, butterfly tails) cost more—especially at larger sizes and higher grades. Specialty sellers and imports can range from $80–$250+ for premium selections, and true show stock may be higher.

Size

Larger fish (“medium”, “large”, “jumbo”) command higher prices across all varieties because they require more time, space, and feed to raise. You’ll often see the same variety listed at multiple size points with higher pricing for larger sizes.

Supplier

Chain stores are the cheapest entry point; specialist breeders and reputable online sellers are pricier but typically offer better confirmation of variety, quarantine, and live-arrival guarantees. This is why similar-looking fish can vary from $8 to $80+.

Health & Quarantine

Healthy, quarantined fish cost more up front but reduce the risk of parasites and bacterial issues. Discounted or feeder-grade stock is cheaper but often carries higher health risks; always quarantine new fish before adding them to your display tank.

Age / Proven Breeders

Juveniles are common and affordable. Sex is hard to guarantee at small sizes, so juveniles are rarely priced by gender. Adult, proven breeders (male or female) may command premiums; otherwise, sex usually doesn’t impact price.

How Much Does Owning a Goldfish Cost?

Goldfish Cost of Ownership (US, 2025)

Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single goldfish starter setup. Prices vary by brand and region; use the higher end for long-bodied types or larger tanks.

Item (Starter Picks)	Typical Price (USD)	Notes
Tank (20 gal starter)	$60–$120	Long & wide preferred for goldfish
Stand (optional)	$60–$150	Stability & leveling matter
Filter (HOB/canister) + sponge prefilter	$30–$120	Goldfish = heavy waste; aim high on flow
Air pump + airstone	$15–$35	Extra oxygen & surface agitation
Water conditioner (dechlorinator)	$6–$15	Treats tap water
Master test kit (ammonia/nitrite/nitrate/pH)	$20–$40	Cycle monitoring & routine checks
Substrate & hardscape/decor	$20–$80	Smooth decor; leave open swim space
Food (pellets/gel)	$10–$20	1–3 months per container
Estimated initial setup	$150–$350	Excludes the fish

Monthly / Yearly Running Costs

Recurring Item	Typical Monthly	Typical Yearly	Notes
Food	$5–$10	$60–$120	Quality sinking pellets for fancies
Water conditioner	$1–$3	$12–$36	Depends on change volume
Filter media/sponges	$2–$6	$24–$72	Reuse sponges; replace as needed
Test kit refills	$1–$3	$12–$36	More during cycling/diagnosis
Electricity (filter + air)	$2–$6	$24–$72	Varies by power rates & equipment
Estimated total	$11–$28	$132–$336	Typical single-fish, 20–40 gal

Tip: Bigger tanks cost a bit more to run but are markedly easier to keep stable for goldfish—often saving money on meds and losses over time.

Initial setup for a basic freshwater goldfish system typically runs about $150–$350 if you’re starting from scratch (tank, stand, filter, aeration, dechlorinator, test kit, substrate, hardscape, and a modest light). Many budget guides peg freshwater setups near $200 on average, with yearly maintenance around $100 (consumables, media, food)—more if you upgrade equipment.

Ongoing costs (typical): food ($10–$20 every 1–3 months), water conditioner and test kit refills, replacement filter media/sponges, and a small amount of electricity for filtration and aeration. The bigger the tank and the more powerful the filter, the higher the electricity and media costs—but larger systems are usually more stable and healthier for goldfish.

Fish Tank

Choose for adult size, not juveniles. For most fancies, plan at least a 20 Gallon Tank for a goldfish, with larger/long-bodied types needing far more. Longer, wider tanks are easier to maintain for goldfish than tall columns.

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Filter

Filters are essential for goldfish (heavy waste producers). A good hang-on-back, canister, or dual-sponge setup provides mechanical and biological filtration. Built-in filters on beginner fish tanks are fine for small, lightly stocked starts—but plan to upsize as fish grow.

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Decorations for Your Goldfish

Use rounded rocks, sturdy plants (real or silk), and open swimming lanes. Avoid sharp ornaments that can snag fins. Hidden areas reduce stress. You’ll find ideas in our decorations guide—just scale choices for goldfish size and strength.

Goldfish Food

Plan $10–$20 per bottle for quality pellets or gel foods, typically lasting 1–3 months depending on tank size and feeding schedule. Prioritize sinking pellets for fancies to reduce gulping air at the surface.

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• High in protein and a rich assortment of vitamins and minerals

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Recap

Bottom line: Expect to pay about $5–$12 for common varieties at big-box stores, $20–$120+ for premium fancy goldfish from specialty sellers, and more for select show stock. Setup typically runs $150–$350 for a stable freshwater system, with ongoing costs modest if you maintain filtration and water changes. Prices above cover the fish only; you’ll still need a suitably sized tank, filtration, dechlorinator, test kit, and food. Keep stocking conservative and size tanks for adult fish to protect your investment and your fish’s health.

To learn more about growth and tank size planning, see how big goldfish get and our full goldfish tank size guide. Keep water clear and safe—if you notice haze, this cloudy tank checklist will help.