How Much Are Angelfish – A Complete Buyer’S Guide From $5 To $100+
So, you’ve decided to add the “King of the Aquarium” to your tank. Fantastic choice! There’s nothing quite like the sight of a graceful angelfish gliding through a planted aquarium. But as you start your search, one big question inevitably pops up: how much are angelfish, really? You see some for a few dollars and others with price tags that make you blink.
It can feel a little confusing, I get it. You want a beautiful, healthy fish without breaking the bank, but you also don’t want to buy a cheap fish that causes problems later. It’s a classic aquarist’s dilemma.
I promise this guide will clear up all that confusion. We’re going to break down everything that goes into the price of an angelfish, from the common varieties to the show-stopping specimens. We’ll explore the hidden costs of ownership, where to buy them for the best quality, and exactly what to look for to ensure you bring home a healthy, vibrant fish.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to walk into any fish store or browse any breeder’s website with the confidence of a seasoned pro, ready to find the perfect angelfish for your budget and your tank.
The Price Spectrum: What to Expect When Buying Angelfish
The first thing to understand is that not all angelfish are created equal, especially when it comes to price. The cost is a reflection of genetics, rarity, size, and the care that went into raising it. Think of it like adopting a dog—a common mixed breed will have a different adoption fee than a purebred with a champion bloodline.
This section of our how much are angelfish guide will break down the typical price brackets you’ll encounter.
Budget-Friendly Beauties ($5 – $15)
This is the entry-point for angelfish and where most hobbyists start. In this range, you’ll find the classic, time-tested varieties. Don’t let the low price fool you; these fish are absolutely stunning!
You can typically find:
- Silver Angelfish: The original, wild-type look with a beautiful silver body and black vertical stripes.
- Gold Angelfish: A simple yet elegant fish with a shimmering, golden-yellow body.
- Marble Angelfish: A gorgeous mix of black, white, and sometimes yellow patches, creating a unique pattern on every fish.
These are usually sold as juveniles, about the size of a dime or a quarter. Buying them young is a fantastic way to watch them grow and develop their full personality. They are hardy and perfect for beginners finding their footing.
Mid-Range Marvels ($20 – $50)
Once you move into this price range, you start seeing more specialized genetics and unique traits. These fish have been selectively bred for specific colors and fin shapes, making them stand out in any aquarium.
Look for varieties like:
- Koi Angelfish: Named for their resemblance to koi pond fish, they have patches of orange, black, and white.
- Black Lace Angelfish: A dramatic and elegant fish with a deep, velvety black coloration.
- Veiltail or Superveil Angelfish: These can be any color variety, but they are bred for exceptionally long, flowing fins.
- Blushing Angelfish: These fish lack the dark stripes and have a pearlescent body with a reddish “blush” on their gill covers.
Fish in this range are often slightly larger than the budget-friendly options or are higher-quality juveniles from a reputable breeder. You might even find young, unproven pairs for sale here.
Show-Stopper Specimens ($50 – $100+)
Welcome to the world of high-end angelfish! These are the fish that make experienced hobbyists stop and stare. The high price reflects extreme rarity, perfect genetics, or the fact that they are a confirmed, breeding pair.
This category includes:
- Altum Angelfish (Pterophyllum altum): True wild-caught or F1 generation Altums are the holy grail for many enthusiasts. They are a different species from the common angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare), get much larger, and are notoriously more difficult to keep.
- Rare Color Morphs: This includes strains like the brilliant Blue Pinoy, Philippine Blue, or German Red, which have intense, vibrant colors developed over many generations of selective breeding.
- Proven Breeding Pairs: A male and female that have successfully spawned and raised fry together are incredibly valuable. You are paying for a guaranteed production line of high-quality angelfish.
What Factors Influence How Much Angelfish Cost?
So why does one angelfish cost $7 while another costs $70? It’s not arbitrary. Several key factors determine the final price tag. Understanding these will help you see the value behind the cost and make a smarter purchase.
Variety and Genetics
This is the biggest driver of price. Common varieties like Silvers are easy to breed in large numbers. Rare genes, like the half-black or Philippine Blue, are often recessive and require careful, selective breeding over many generations to stabilize. The more work a breeder puts into developing a strain, the more it will cost.
Age and Size
A tiny, dime-sized juvenile is a bigger risk for the buyer. It has a long way to go to reach maturity, and its full color and fin potential are still unknown. A larger, sub-adult fish (quarter to silver dollar size) is more established, hardier, and its quality is more apparent. Therefore, the larger the fish, the higher the price.
Proven breeding pairs are the most expensive because the breeder has already done the hard work of growing them out, pairing them up, and verifying that they produce viable offspring.
Source and Breeder Reputation
Where your fish comes from matters immensely. A fish from a big-box store is often mass-produced on a large commercial farm, shipped long distances, and may be stressed or exposed to disease. This is one of the most common problems with how much are angelfish appear to cost—a cheap fish might come with expensive vet bills or heartache.
A fish from a dedicated local breeder or a reputable online retailer has likely received individual attention, a high-quality diet, and meticulous care. This is where sustainable how much are angelfish practices come in. Supporting responsible breeders promotes an eco-friendly how much are angelfish hobby, ensuring fish are raised in healthy, ethical conditions rather than in stressful fish factories. This higher standard of care is reflected in the price.
Health and Quality
A top-grade angelfish will have a perfect body shape, smooth and flowing fins, and vibrant coloration. Fish with minor defects—like a bent fin ray or a slightly misshapen body—are often sold for less as “B-grade” fish. A healthy, well-fed, and well-cared-for fish simply costs more to raise, and that investment is passed on to the buyer.
Beyond the Sticker Price: The True Cost of Angelfish Ownership
One of the most important how much are angelfish tips I can give is this: the price of the fish is only the beginning. To truly thrive, angelfish need a proper environment, and setting that up is a crucial part of your budget. This is more than just a purchase; it’s an investment in a living ecosystem.
The Essential Aquarium Setup
Angelfish are cichlids that get tall, so they need a tank that accommodates their body shape. Don’t worry—you don’t need a massive tank to start!
- Tank: A 29 or 30-gallon tank is the absolute minimum for a pair of angelfish. A 40-gallon breeder or 55-gallon is even better, especially for a small group. Taller tanks are preferred over long, shallow ones. (Cost: $100 – $250)
- Filtration: A good hang-on-back (HOB) filter or a canister filter is essential to keep the water clean. (Cost: $40 – $150)
- Heater: Angelfish are tropical fish and require stable water temperatures between 78-82°F (25-28°C). (Cost: $20 – $40)
- Lid & Lighting: A lid prevents jumping, and a good LED light will make your fish’s colors pop and allow you to grow live plants. (Cost: $50 – $150)
Substrate, Decor, and Plants
This is where you create a home, not just a glass box. Angelfish appreciate a well-decorated tank with places to explore and hide.
- Substrate: Sand or fine gravel is ideal. (Cost: $20 – $40)
- Decor: Driftwood and tall, smooth rocks provide excellent shelter and mimic their natural habitat. (Cost: $30 – $100+)
- Live Plants: Plants like Amazon Swords, Vallisneria, and Anubias provide security and help maintain water quality. (Cost: $30 – $80 for a starter set)
Ongoing Angelfish Care Costs
Finally, remember the recurring costs. A comprehensive how much are angelfish care guide must include these ongoing expenses.
- Food: A high-quality flake or pellet food should be the staple, supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. (Cost: $10 – $20 per month)
- Water Conditioner: Essential for removing chlorine and chloramine from tap water during water changes. (Cost: $15 for a bottle that lasts months)
- Water Test Kit: A liquid test kit (like the API Freshwater Master Test Kit) is crucial for monitoring ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels. (Cost: $30 – $40)
How to Choose a Healthy Angelfish (Regardless of Price)
Whether you’re spending $5 or $50, the goal is always the same: bring home a healthy fish. Inspecting a fish before you buy is one of the most important how much are angelfish best practices. Here’s your checklist.
Look for these positive physical signs:
- Clear, bright eyes with no cloudiness.
- Full, intact fins with no rips, tears, or ragged edges.
- A smooth, clean body with no white spots, fuzzy patches, or open sores.
- A rounded belly—plump but not bloated or sunken in.
- Smooth, effortless breathing, not gasping at the surface.
And these positive behavioral signs:
- Actively swimming around the tank and exploring.
- Alert and responsive to movement outside the tank.
- Holding its fins erect and open, not clamped against its body.
- Not hiding constantly or cowering in a corner.
- If in a group, it should be holding its own, not being bullied relentlessly.
Don’t be afraid to ask the store employee to feed the fish. A healthy angelfish will almost always show a strong interest in food. This is one of the best tests for overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Angelfish Costs
Why are some angelfish so expensive?
Expensive angelfish are typically priced based on a combination of rarity, genetics, and size. Rare color morphs like the Philippine Blue require many generations of selective breeding. Larger, adult fish have had more time and resources invested in their care. Finally, true wild-caught Altum angelfish or proven breeding pairs carry a premium for their unique status and guaranteed potential.
Is it better to buy a group of young angelfish or an adult pair?
It depends on your goals! Buying a group of 5-6 young angelfish is often cheaper upfront and allows you to grow them out and watch a natural pair form. This is a very rewarding process. Buying a confirmed adult pair is more expensive but guarantees you have a compatible male and female, which is ideal if your primary goal is breeding.
Can I keep just one angelfish to save money?
While you can keep a single angelfish, it’s not ideal. They are social cichlids that do best in a pair or a small group in an appropriately sized tank. A single angelfish can become lonely, stressed, or overly aggressive towards other tank mates. The small extra cost for a second angelfish is well worth it for their well-being.
How can I find sustainable or eco-friendly angelfish?
The best way is to support local breeders. Search for aquarium clubs or societies in your area. These hobbyists are passionate about their fish and raise them in excellent conditions. Many high-quality Local Fish Stores (LFS) also source their fish from responsible breeders rather than large, impersonal wholesalers. Ask the store where they get their angelfish—a good shop will be happy to tell you.
Your Journey with Angelfish Starts Now
Figuring out how much are angelfish is about more than just a number; it’s about understanding the value you receive for your investment. A cheap, unhealthy fish is no bargain, while a more expensive, robust fish from a great source can bring you years of enjoyment.
The price can range from a few dollars for a classic Silver juvenile to over a hundred for a rare breeding pair. But the true cost includes a proper home—a tall tank, clean water, and a nourishing diet. Investing in their environment is the single best thing you can do for them.
You are now equipped with the knowledge to choose wisely. You know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to budget for their entire care. Go forth and find the perfect, graceful angelfish that will become the centerpiece of your beautiful aquarium. Happy fishkeeping!
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