Koi Fish Prices And What You Need To Know Before Buying

Key Points

1. Koi fish prices range from $10 to tens of thousands, depending on size, lineage, and quality.
2. Factors like color, pattern, and where you buy them play a big role in koi cost.
3. Preparing your pond properly ensures koi thrive and protects your investment.

Swimming Through the Numbers

Have you ever gazed into a vibrant backyard pond and wondered, ‘How much do koi fish cost?’ Or perhaps ponder what makes one koi fish worth more than another?

In this post, we’re diving deep into the colorful world of koi fish, unraveling the mysteries behind koi fish price ranges and what factors play a pivotal role in determining their value.

As you swim through this article, you’ll learn how much koi fish are, types of koi, and gain insights into how to make the best choice for your pond.

How Much Do Koi Fish Cost?

Koi fish, on average, cost between $10 and $10,000+ per fish. Prices depend on size, breed, coloration, and lineage. Basic domestic koi start at $10–$50, while show-quality Japanese koi can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands at auctions.

How much do pond goldfish cost?

We’re ready to help keep your koi’s new home clean and clear.

What Does the Owner of Premier Pond Invest in His Koi Fish?

“Fish are awesome, and my kids and I love interacting with them around the pond.

I do not personally invest a lot in fish like some of our clients do. For any backyard pond in the mid-Atlantic region, there are many predators to consider, and I can’t stomach waking up one morning having lost 5 figures of fish.

In my pond right now I paid around $500 to stock my pond with 24 beautiful 7 to 10-inch assorted koi and fantail goldfish.”

– Andrew Lingan, owner of Premier Ponds

Protect your pond fish from predators.

What Affects Koi Fish Prices?

1. Koi Fish Color and Pattern

The color and pattern of a koi fish make a big difference in koi fish price.

There is a rule that affects koi fish costs just like it does everything else; the better it looks, the more expensive it is.

People have been breeding koi fish for centuries, resulting in vivid colors and patterns, but only in some fish. One of the most sought-after color combinations is bright red-orange, the darkest black, and a shining white. People also compete over koi that are solid yellow, gray, or white.

In Japan, people want koi that look like the Japanese flag, meaning pure white with a large red dot on their head.

2. Koi Fish Genetic Lineage

You’ll find that some koi fish can trace their ancestry back for generations.

This affects koi fish prices because it’s like buying a purebred dog versus a mutt. It’s all about class. The koi with the highest value is the Gosanke. Inside this breed are Sanke (Taisho Sanshoku), Showa (Showa Sanshoku), and Kohaku.

There are even koi fish competitions resembling dog shows. The rule of thumb is that the rarer the features are, the more expensive the fish is.

You can find cheaper domestic koi at local pet shops and online fish shops. It’s harder to tell which breed the koi is. These koi tend to be hardier than show koi, meaning they’ll live better lives in your backyard pond.

3. Koi Fish Body Shape and Fin-Type

Japanese and United States koi farmers usually have different preferences here.

In Japan, short and neat fins are more sought after. Some traditionalists see long fins as mutations and thus imperfect.

In the United States, koi with long fins are called Butterfly koi because their fins look like fragile wings. Some can even start looking like little swimming dragons!

This causes koi fish prices to differ in each place based on which fish you buy. It’s best to choose the fish that you like looking at the most.

4. Koi Fish Size

Again, the rule of thumb that governs most things also governs koi; the bigger it is, the more expensive it is. This is why koi fish cost more when they’re larger.

• Domestic koi tend to grow between 12 and 15 inches in length
• Japanese koi tend to grow between 22 and 26 inches in length
• Jumbo koi tend to grow between 34 and 36 inches in length

5. Koi Fish Age

You can more easily tell the quality of a koi fish as it gets older.

Larger koi are more expensive. When you buy younger koi, you can’t tell how large they’ll get, which means you can’t tell their quality. This is why koi fish prices are lower for younger ones.

Also, you won’t be able to enjoy your koi for as long if you get older ones. They can live for decades depending on the fish and their care.

6. Koi Fish Sex

It’s imported vs. domestic and value here.

Females are more expensive when it comes to highly valued Japanese koi. They’re usually longer and have rounder fins. You can also use them for breeding, which makes them cash fish.

Domestic koi are usually closer in price, so there’s not usually a significant difference in the koi fish price.

7. Where You Buy Your Koi Fish

Where you buy your koi fish can also change the price. Special koi farms might have more expensive fish, but local pet stores and dealers might have better deals.

Why are Koi Fish Prices Higher Than for Other Pond Fish?

Koi, renowned for their elegance and vibrant colors, are not just any ornamental fish. The demand for these beautiful fish reflects their unique status.

Here’s why koi fish prices often surpass those of other pond fish:

Koi are Higher-Quality Fish

Koi fish cost more because only quality ones make it to market. Others are born with deformities that keep them from being sold.

The koi fish that make it, especially those of show quality, command higher prices due to their exceptional beauty and rarity.

Unlike regular pond fish, koi are bred for specific colors and patterns, making each koi a unique addition to backyard ponds.

The cost of koi fish reflects the meticulous care and selective breeding practices employed by top Japanese breeders and koi farmers worldwide.

Selective Breeding and Rarity

Breeding koi fish is an art form deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Enthusiasts often seek out specific types of koi, such as the vibrant Showa koi or the elegant Butterfly koi.

The rarity and uniqueness of these koi varieties, often sourced from renowned farms like Kodama Koi Farm, contribute to a higher koi fish price. The price is even higher when compared to other fish.

Raising Koi is a Commitment

Raising high-quality koi is a commitment that requires time, effort, and resources.

Koi farmers, dedicated to nurturing these living creatures, invest heavily in ensuring optimal pond quality and fish health.

This dedication is reflected in the koi fish prices, as only the healthiest and most vibrant koi make it to local pet stores and koi ponds.

What to feed your koi fish.

Transportation Costs

Imported koi fish, particularly those from top Japanese breeders, incur significant transportation costs.

Koi farmers have to pay shipping, customs, and a license fee. These expenses, coupled with the need for specialized care and pond maintenance, drive koi fish prices way up.

Investing in a koi pond means considering these additional expenses, which contribute to the overall cost of koi ownership.

It might be best to start with less expensive koi fish. This way, you can see what it’s like to raise pond-quality koi fish in your outdoor pond without risking hundreds of dollars.

Rarity

Most other pond fish are easier to get and are more common, raising the koi fish price range.

Unlike common pond fish, koi are prized for their unique beauty and lineage, making them more expensive. This is especially true for show-quality koi.

The selective breeding process, especially by Japanese koi experts, focuses on cultivating koi with specific colors, patterns, and body shapes. This meticulous process results in each koi being a distinct, living work of art sought after by enthusiasts.

This is why koi fish cost more on average.

FAQs About Koi Fish

How deep and how much water do I need per koi?

1 inch of fish for every square foot of surface area in a 2-foot deep pond is the standard rule. In colder climates, increase depth to a minimum of 3 feet to prevent freezing.

What common diseases should I watch out for in koi?

Watch for koi diseases like ich, fin rot, fungal infections, and bacterial illnesses. Prevent disease by maintaining clean water, stable temperature, and proper filtration. Early detection and quarantine are key to protecting the entire pond.

How can I protect my koi from predators?

Protect koi from predators by adding pond netting, underwater caves, lily pads, and deeper pond zones. Predators like herons or raccoons are deterred by physical barriers and a lack of shallow access.

Premier Ponds Turns (and Keeps) Your Backyard Pond into a Koi Paradise

Premier Ponds can make sure your pond is ready for koi by keeping the water clear, balanced, and predator-safe. With expert maintenance and a deep understanding of koi care, your fish can thrive while your pond becomes the centerpiece of your backyard.

If you’re ready to bring koi beauty to your outdoor space, our team is here to help. Fill out our contact form today or give us a call to start transforming your pond.