If you’ve ever been in the market for koi, you may have noticed that koi fish prices vary quite a bit. Although they are not always an expensive fish, koi have sold for upwards of a million dollars in specialty auctions. Different types of koi fish can sell for very different prices.
So, exactly how much are koi fish? And how can you find affordable varieties?
How Much Do Koi Fish Cost?
The good news? There’s a massive price difference between the average backyard koi and a show-quality fish. Prices can easily top $30,000 for rare koi fish. At the low end, champion koi can go for a few hundred dollars.
Backyard koi are much more reasonable. Good quality koi from a reputable vendor are generally $50-100, depending on the variety.
Koi Fish Prices: What Determines Value?
Several key factors influence the cost of koi fish:
- Breed. Standard Fin and Butterfly are two of the more common and budget-friendly breeds. Rare koi fish and specialty breeds can be much pricier and more challenging to obtain
- Size. Big koi are usually more expensive than smaller varieties. Show koi are often over two feet long, while most backyard koi are under 14 inches.
- Body Shape and Pattern. Show koi are healthy and usually display symmetrical patterns. They have a wider midsection and a narrow head and tail. They also tend to come in vibrant colors that contrast with each other, such as vivid red markings on a white body.
- Bloodline. Some bloodlines are known to produce high-quality koi fish. Of course, koi from those bloodlines sell for a much higher price than the average backyard fish.
What Is The Most Expensive Koi Fish Ever Sold?
The title of the most expensive koi fish in history goes to a koi named S Legend. Sold in 2018 for $1.8 million, S. Legend was a Kohaku show fish from Japan. The sale set a new record for the highest price fish ever sold.
The Most Expensive Koi Breeds
Not every koi is on the same level as S. Legend, but some breeds are still highly sought after. Some of the most expensive koi fish include:
- Kohaku – With distinctive white bodies and red markings, they are among the most iconic koi varieties.
- Sanke (Taisho Sanke) – These koi feature vibrant red and black spots on a white body.
- Showa (Showa Sanshoku) – Known for dramatic black, red, and white patterns
- Shiro Utsuri – Striking black and white koi..
- Tancho – Famous for their single red spot on the head, resembling the Japanese flag.
When purchased from trusted fish farms, these breeds make excellent show koi.
Final Thoughts
Most backyard pond owners are more concerned with overall wellness and longevity than show-quality pricing. Sourcing koi from reputable vendors helps ensure your koi are healthy and that you can enjoy them for years. If you have questions about adding koi to your backyard pond, the experts at The Pond Guy are here to help.
Read more articles
Last Updated: July 22, 2025