How much is a great goldfish worth? Paul Green advises.
This is a difficult question to answer as you hear so many rumours, especially coming out of China and Singapore. I do know of goldfish that have been sold in Japan for up to 3,000,000 Yen which at today’s exchange rates is about £20,000!
When you compare this to the price of some Koi, which sell for astronomical amounts, then I guess we shouldn’t be that surprised.
Like a lot of things, a goldfish is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it and whether that is £1 or £1,000 the important thing is to look after it properly. In my opinion it is better to invest in the right equipment (ponds/tanks/heaters) and learn how to keep them in the right environment with the right stocking levels, water conditions and so on before spending any money on a goldfish, however much it costs.
This article was first published in the December 2009 issue of Practical Fishkeeping magazine. It may not be reproduced without written permission.