Koi Fish Price Estimator

Koi pricing FAQ

How much does a koi fish cost?

Pet-store domestic koi run CAD $30–$150. Hand-selected Japanese Nishikigoi from Niigata bloodlines typically start around CAD $250 for young tosai and climb to CAD $2,000–$10,000+ for larger, show-quality Gosanke (Kohaku, Sanke, Showa).

Why are Japanese koi so expensive?

Price reflects bloodline, breeder reputation, pattern quality, skin, body conformation, size, and how the fish is expected to finish. Every fish is culled from thousands of siblings and hand-selected before import.

What size koi should I buy?

For a new pond, most keepers start with 25–40 cm nisai (second-year) fish — big enough to be safe from herons and stable in transit, small enough that you get to enjoy watching them grow.

Are females more expensive than males?

Yes, generally about 10–20% more. Females grow larger, develop deeper body volume, and are more sought-after by serious collectors — especially in Gosanke varieties.

How much does a 6 inch (15 cm) koi cost?

A 6 inch tosai from a reputable Japanese breeder typically runs CAD $250–$600 depending on variety and grade. Standard Kohaku, Sanke, or Showa tosai start near CAD $300, while premium or show-grade tosai from named breeders can exceed CAD $800.

How much does a 12 inch (30 cm) koi cost?

Hand-picked 12 inch Japanese nisai koi generally sell for CAD $500–$1,500. Gosanke (Kohaku, Sanke, Showa) at this size command the top of the range; hardy varieties like Chagoi, Ogon, and Asagi at 30 cm often land between CAD $400–$900.

How much does an 18 inch (45 cm) koi cost?

18 inch imported koi from Niigata typically start around CAD $1,200 and climb quickly with quality — CAD $2,000–$4,500 is common for premium Gosanke and CAD $5,000+ for show-grade females with proven bloodlines.

How much does a 24 inch (60 cm) koi cost?

A well-developed 24 inch Japanese koi usually falls between CAD $2,500 and $10,000. Show-quality Kohaku, Sanke, and Showa females at 60 cm regularly trade for CAD $8,000–$20,000+ at auction.

How much does a jumbo (70 cm+) koi cost?

Jumbo tategoi 70–80 cm from top breeders (Sakai, Dainichi, Momotaro, Marudo) typically start at CAD $10,000 and can exceed CAD $50,000. Grand-champion class fish have sold for six figures.

How much does a Kohaku koi cost?

Kohaku (red on white) is the flagship variety. Tosai from named Japanese breeders start around CAD $300, quality nisai land at CAD $800–$2,500, and show-grade females at 60 cm+ commonly run CAD $5,000–$15,000.

How much does a Sanke (Taisho Sanshoku) koi cost?

Sanke prices track closely with Kohaku — expect CAD $350 for tosai, CAD $900–$2,800 for quality nisai, and CAD $4,000–$12,000+ for premium 55–65 cm females with clean sumi.

How much does a Showa (Showa Sanshoku) koi cost?

Showa carries heavier sumi than Sanke and is prized when the pattern balances. Tosai start near CAD $350, nisai run CAD $900–$3,000, and finished show-grade Showa regularly sell for CAD $5,000–$15,000+.

How much does a Ginrin koi cost?

Ginrin (sparkling scales) is a finish layered on other varieties. Expect a 20–40% premium over the base variety — a CAD $600 Kohaku tosai becomes a CAD $750–$850 Ginrin Kohaku tosai of similar quality.

How much does a butterfly koi cost?

Butterfly (long-fin) koi are typically domestic-bred and price accordingly: CAD $30–$150 at pet stores and CAD $200–$600 for larger, better-patterned specimens. They are not part of the traditional Japanese Nishikigoi ranking system.

How much does a Chagoi koi cost?

Chagoi (solid brown/olive) is the friendliest and fastest-growing koi. Tosai from Japanese breeders start around CAD $250, and CAD $1,500–$4,000 buys a jumbo 70–80 cm Chagoi with excellent skin and body.

How much does an Ogon or Platinum koi cost?

Metallic single-color koi (Yamabuki Ogon, Platinum Ogon, Kin Matsuba) are excellent value: CAD $200–$500 for tosai and CAD $800–$2,500 for well-developed 50–60 cm adults with even lustre.

How much does an Asagi or Shusui koi cost?

Asagi (blue-net back, red belly) and Shusui (doitsu Asagi) start around CAD $250 for tosai. A clean, well-scaled 45–55 cm adult usually sits between CAD $900 and $3,000.

How much does a Tancho koi cost?

Tancho requires a single perfect red circle on the head with no other red on the body — it is rare. Tosai start around CAD $400; a symmetrical Tancho Kohaku at 55 cm+ commonly sells for CAD $3,000–$10,000.

How much does a Kujaku, Kikusui or Kikokuryu (Kirin) koi cost?

These modern metallic and doitsu varieties price similarly to premium Ogon: CAD $300–$700 for tosai and CAD $1,200–$5,000 for standout adults with clean metallic finish and stable pattern.

Do koi prices include shipping in Canada?

Our listed prices are per fish. Bagged live delivery within the Greater Toronto Area is included on qualifying orders; Markham and nearby cities are commonly free. Shipping across Canada is quoted per crate based on size, weather, and courier requirements.

How much should I budget for a first koi pond?

Plan roughly CAD $1,500–$4,000 for a starter group of 5–7 nisai (25–35 cm) mixed Japanese koi. Add filtration, quarantine tank, salt, and a heron deterrent — the fish should not be the most expensive part of the pond.