Live NZ price guide
Aquarium Fish Prices NZ
What aquarium fish cost in New Zealand, pulled live from our 34 species profiles. Fish are the cheapest part of the hobby — the tank, filter, heater and cycling gear cost far more than the livestock. Click any species for its tank size, temperament and tank-mate requirements before you buy.
See also best beginner fish for a first NZ tank, setting up your first aquarium and pet bird prices.
Under $30
Community staples — guppies, tetras, danios and platies. Most are schooling fish, so budget for a group rather than a single fish.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Fancy Goldfish | NZD $10 - $100+ (depending on variety, size, and rarity; common varieties are cheaper, rare or large specimens can be significantly more) |
| Angelfish | NZD $15 - $60 per fish (depending on size, colour morph, and fin type) |
| Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) | NZD $15 - $80 (depending on fin type, colour, and rarity) |
| Black Moor Goldfish | NZD $15 - $40 (for a juvenile to adult fish) |
| Cardinal Tetra | NZD $8 - $15 per fish, depending on size and store (budget for a school of 6-10 fish). |
| Cherry Barb | NZD $8 - $15 per fish |
| Dwarf Gourami | NZD $15 - $40 per fish, depending on size, colour morph, and retailer. |
| Harlequin Rasbora | NZD $8 - $15 per fish |
| Neon Tetra | NZD $5 - $15 per fish, often cheaper when bought in larger schools. |
| Paradise Fish | NZD $15 - $40 per fish |
| Pearl Gourami | NZD $15 - $40 per fish, depending on size, colouration, and supplier. |
| Rainbowfish | NZD $15 - $50 per fish, depending on species, size, and rarity. |
| Tiger Barb | NZD $5 - $15 per fish |
| Zebra Danio | NZD $5 - $15 per fish |
| Bristlenose Pleco | NZD $20 - $60 (depending on size, colour morph, and availability from reputable NZ pet stores or breeders) |
| Platy | NZD $5 - $20 per fish |
| Blue Acara | NZD $25 - $70 per fish, depending on size and colouration. |
| Guppy | NZD $5 - $25 per fish (depending on specific breed, colouration, and size) |
| Molly | NZD $8 - $25 per fish, depending on size, colour, and fin type (e.g., Sailfin or Balloon varieties typically cost more). |
| Red-tailed Black Shark | NZD $25 - $60 (for a juvenile to sub-adult fish) |
| Swordtail | NZD $8 - $25 per fish, depending on size, colour morph, and retailer. |
$30 – $80
Bettas, gouramis, corydoras and small cichlids. Fin type and colour morph move betta prices more than anything else.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Corydoras Catfish | NZD $8 - $30 per fish, depending on species and size. Groups of 6+ are recommended. |
| Oscar Fish | NZD $30 - $150 (depending on size, age, and specific colour morph) |
| Archerfish | NZD $40 - $100 per fish (for juveniles/sub-adults) |
| Clownfish (Nemo Fish) | NZD $40 - $120 (for a single Ocellaris Clownfish, prices vary by size, species, and rarity) |
| Frontosa Cichlid | NZD $40 - $150+ per fish, depending on size, age, and specific variant, from legal sources. |
| Rope Fish | NZD $40 - $100 per fish |
$80 – $250
Larger or slower-growing species, and fancier colour strains. Check the adult size — many of these outgrow a starter tank.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Blue Tang | NZD $80 - $300+ (depending on size and availability from legal sources) |
| Discus | NZD $80 - $300+ per fish (depending on size, colour strain, and rarity) |
| Fire Eel | NZD $80 - $250 (depending on size and availability from specialist stores) |
| Flowerhorn Cichlid | NZD $80 - $500+, depending on size, colouration, and 'kok' development. |
| Goldfish | NZD $5 - $80+ (for common varieties; fancy or rare types can be significantly more) |
| Koi Carp | NZD $100 - $1000+ (highly variable based on size, age, lineage, and legal sourcing; availability is very limited due to restrictions) |
$250 and up
Specialist and show-grade fish. These need established, well-filtered tanks and an experienced keeper.
| Species | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Electric Eel | NZD $2,000 - $10,000+ (highly variable, reflecting rarity, import costs, and permit fees for legal acquisition) |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a betta fish cost in NZ?
Bettas are one of the most searched fish in New Zealand and typically sit in the low tens of dollars, with fin type, colour morph and rarity driving the range. See the betta profile for its current NZ price range and, more importantly, the tank size and heating it actually needs.
Why is the tank more expensive than the fish?
Because the fish is the last thing you buy. A cycled tank with a filter, heater, light, substrate and water test kit is the real cost of entry, and skipping any of it is the most common reason first tanks fail. Plan the setup budget first and the fish budget second.
Can I put any of these fish together?
No — temperament, adult size and water parameters all have to match, and price is no guide to compatibility. Male bettas in particular cannot be housed together. Check each species profile for tank-mate notes before mixing.
Are cheaper fish healthier or less healthy?
Price mostly reflects rarity and breeding effort, not health. What matters more is the source: buy from a store or breeder whose tanks are clean and whose stock is not showing fin rot, white spot or clamped fins, and quarantine new fish before adding them to an established tank.
petmall.co.nz
Shop at PetMall
The products below are practical support items for your pet. PetMall ships across New Zealand.
- Fish FoodMatch food to your fish — floating pellets for bettas, sinking for bottom feeders. Feed small amounts your fish finish in a couple of minutes.
- Tanks & AquariumsBigger is more forgiving for beginners — a larger water volume keeps temperature and water quality far more stable.
- Filters & MediaA good filter is the heart of a healthy tank — choose low-flow models for bettas and long-finned fish.
- Heating & LightingA heater is essential for tropical fish through NZ winters — most bettas and community fish want a stable 24–28°C.
- Water TreatmentDechlorinator and test kits are non-negotiable — stable water quality prevents most beginner fish losses.