12 Rare Pet Fish Breeds (With Pictures)

While some fish always seem to reign supreme when it comes to popularity in the fishkeeping hobby (we’re looking at you, Goldfish), many people are looking for something exotic and unique for their tank. Oftentimes, rare fish are only sold through specialty retailers, like local fish stores and specialty online shops. If you’re looking for a rare fish to keep in your aquarium, these are some of the best options, no matter what type of freshwater tank you keep.

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The 12 Rare Pet Fish Breeds

1. Zebra Shovelnose Catfish

Large predatory Zebra shovelnose catfish
Image Credit: Pavaphon Supanantananont, Shutterstock
Adult size: 24–48 inches
Minimum tank size: 180 gallons
Tank mates: Other large catfish, pacu, oscars, giant gourami

If you’re looking for a catfish that is not only large but also eye-catching, then the Zebra Shovelnose Catfish might be just what you’re looking for. These fish can reach 2 to 3 feet in length in captivity, although some have been reported to reach up to 4 feet in length. They are predatory catfish that should be kept with large tank mates that can’t be eaten by them. If you manage to find one of these for sale and in stock, you can expect to spend at least $200.


2. Zebra Plecostomus

Zebra Plecostomus
Image Credit: Pavaphon Supanantananont, Shutterstock
Adult size: 3–4 inches
Minimum tank size: 20 gallons
Tank mates: Tetras, platies, harlequin rasbora, Apistogramma

The Zebra Plecostomus might be a cousin to the common plecos you spot in every pet store, but their beautiful zebra-patterned scales make them unique and hard to find. Although they are one of the smaller pleco species, only reaching up to 4 inches, they still need a tank that is at least 20 gallons.

They are typically peaceful fish, and they can be kept with tank mates that are smaller than them, including Ember Tetras. Be prepared to spend upwards of $200 on a Zebra Pleco, with some selling for upwards of $1,500.


3. Blue-Eyed Plecostomus

Panaque cochliodon - Blue-eyed plec
Panaque cochliodon – Blue-eyed plec (Image Credit: Sini Merikallio, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 2.0 Generic)
Adult size: 12–30 inches
Minimum tank size: 120 gallons
Tank mates: Tetras, danios, glass catfish

The Blue-Eyed Plecostomus is similar in appearance to the common pleco, but it has a bulkier body and bright, turquoise eyes. It’s a clumsy swimmer, but it spends most of its time at the bottom of its environment.

Because they can reach up to 30 inches in length, this fish needs a tank that is at least 120 gallons once it reaches adulthood. Be prepared to shell out $250 or more for one of these fish.


4. Platinum Arowana

platinum arowana in a tank
Image Credit: Besjunior, Shutterstock
Adult size: 48 inches
Minimum tank size: 240 gallons
Tank mates: Semi-aggressive cichlids, clown loaches

The Platinum Arowana is an extremely aggressive and predatory fish that can reach up to 4 feet in length. Arowana come in multiple varieties, with the platinum color being one of the most difficult to find and most expensive.

While you can expect to spend upwards of $2,000 for one of these rarities, a Platinum Arowana holds the record for the most expensive freshwater fish in the world, having sold for $400,000. Arowana fish are extremely popular in Asian countries and may be very difficult to find in the US.


5. Golden Gar

Adult size: 72–78 inches
Minimum tank size: 180 gallons
Tank mates: Large catfish, paddlefish, Nile perch

The Golden Gar is not an individual species of fish but is actually a gar fish with a recessive gene that causes the fish to be a lovely golden color. Gar are prehistoric fish, and many people fish for them. If you happen to fish in areas where gar live, you may luck into finding a Golden Gar on your own.

It can be extremely difficult to find a Golden Gar for sale, and if you do find one, you can expect to spend at least $700 for a fish with low-quality coloration. High-quality fish can sell for upwards of $10,000. Finding tank mates for the Golden Gar can be difficult due to its high level of aggression.


6. Polka-Dot Stingray

polka-dot stingray on the sea floor
Image Credit: Bonnie Taylor Barry, Shutterstock
Adult size: 30 inches
Minimum tank size: 125 gallons
Tank mates: Other rays, Geophagus, silver dollars, bichirs

The Polka-Dot Stingray will definitely draw all eyes to your aquarium, thanks to its attention-grabbing coloration and unusual body shape. While these fish can be up to 30 inches in length, they can measure up to 18 inches in width.

Initially, a young Polka-Dot Stingray can be kept in a tank that is at least 75 gallons, but by adulthood, these fish need at least 125 gallons, with 150 gallons or more being preferred. They need lots of space to swim and play. There are multiple variations of the polka dot coloration of this fish, and you can expect prices to start at $400.


7. Peppermint Angelfish

Peppermint Angelfish
Image Credit: Vojce, Shutterstock
Adult size: 2–3 inches
Minimum tank size: 55 gallons
Tank mates: Blennies, gobies, butterflyfish, damsels

The Peppermint Angelfish is one of the most sought-after fish in the aquarium hobby, and they can be extremely difficult to find. Because of this, they are considered to be one of the most expensive fish in the fishkeeping hobby.

Due to their rarity, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars purchasing a Peppermint Angelfish, with some selling for up to $30,000. This saltwater fish may be small, coming in at around 3 inches when full grown, but it needs at least 55 gallons of tank space.


8. Masked Angelfish

masked angelfish in a tank
Image Credit: chonlasub woravichan, Shutterstock
Adult size: 6–7 inches
Minimum tank size: 70 gallons
Tank mates: Other reef dwellers

The Masked Angelfish is less rare than the Peppermint Angelfish, but it is still difficult to find. This reef fish reaches up to 7 inches in length, and it requires a tank that is at least 70 gallons. It’s quite shy, so select tank mates carefully to ensure your fish stays happy and healthy.

Like its Peppermint cousin, the Masked Angelfish sells for thousands of dollars, with some selling for up to $20,000. Successful captive breeding programs have begun being established, though, so they may not be rare and overly expensive for much longer.


9. Discus

Red Sun Discus
Image Credit: igor Litvyak, Shutterstock
Adult size: 5–9 inches
Minimum tank size: 75 gallons
Tank mates: Tetras, corydoras catfish, German blue ram, freshwater

The discus is a beautiful fish that typically reaches around 6 inches in length, although some have reached up to 9 inches in captivity. They make great tank mates for freshwater angelfish due to their similar size, body shape, and tank needs.

There are multiple varieties of the discus, and some of them are far more expensive and rarer than others. Low-quality discus fish can sell for as little as $20, but you can expect to spend upwards of $150 for higher-quality fish.


10. Arapaima

arapaima fish in black background
Image Credit: Ammit Jack, Shutterstock
Adult size: 84–120 inches
Minimum tank size: 1,000 gallons
Tank mates: Pacu, arowana, large catfish

The arapaima is not only a rare fish but also considered to be one of the largest freshwater fish in existence. If you manage to bring one of these monsters home, you can expect a fish that reaches up to 10 feet in length and over 400 pounds in weight.

At a minimum, an arapaima needs a 1,000-gallon tank, but 2,500 gallons or more is preferable. Other large fish, especially those found in the Amazon River basin, often make good tank mates for these fish. You can expect to spend at least $90 for a young arapaima, but some sell for up to $7,000.


11. Izumo Nankin Goldfish

Adult size: 3–6 inches
Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Tank mates: Other fancy goldfish varieties, white cloud mountain minnows

The Izumo Nankin is a very rare goldfish variety that is native to Japan. These beautiful fish have a triangular shape when viewed from above, and they are either red or gold and white. If you’re interested in bringing one of these rare goldies home, best of luck to you! It’s extremely difficult to find this goldfish variety outside of Japan. Be prepared to spend at least $250 on an Izumo Nankin, and in many cases, there will be additional shipping and import fees.


12. Royal Clown Loach

Adult size: 12–18 inches
Minimum tank size: 100 gallons
Tank mates: Other clown loaches, discus, barbs, tetras, gourami

The Royal Clown Loach is similar in appearance to the Clown Loach, but the Royal Clown is a larger fish, reaching up to 18 inches in length and requiring a tank of at least 100 gallons. Like many loaches, these fish should always be kept in groups to keep them comfortable and happy. While you can expect to spend around $150 for a Royal Clown Loach, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need a group of at least three fish, along with a large aquarium.

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Conclusion

Rare fish can be difficult to find, and when you do find them, you can expect to spend a pretty penny to bring one home. For serious fishkeepers, though, these investments are absolutely worth it! If you do decide to invest in a rare fish, make sure your tank is fully set up and ready to go before your fish comes home so you can keep them healthy and help them transition safely to their new home.


Featured Image Credit: Adriana Iacob, Shutterstock

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Does Petco Take Unwanted Fish? Facts, FAQ & Alternatives

Let’s assume you’ve just realized that your fish is all too grown for your aquarium. The reasonable thing to do is to purchase a new fish tank, but due to budgetary constraints, that’s not an option. But then Petco comes to mind. Maybe they would probably be open to the idea of adopting and reselling your buddy to a family who would love it the same way you do.

Petco may accept unwanted fish for rehoming, but it depends on the branch, if there’s enough space, and the health of the fish.

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Will Petco Buy My Pet Fish?

Don’t presume that Petco would buy your pet fish just because other stores are willing to offer credit or pay a reasonable fee. The truth is that the probability of Petco buying any pet fish from anyone is unlikely, but they may still take it in for adoption.

And it’s not that they aren’t passionate about animal welfare or value pets as much as other people do. They feel like such deals should be treated as donations, rather than consumer goods that are worth purchasing.

Then again, that also doesn’t mean that all Petco stores in the country are obligated to accept unwanted fish donations. So before showing up at their doorstep, make a call or do some due diligence.

Young woman buying fishes in a fish shop
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

What Will Petco Do with My Pet Fish?

We understand your concern, seeing as most people are usually more worried about how their pets will be treated in their new home. Fortunately for us, Petco understands this. Hence the reason why they always go far and beyond to make sure no pet is adopted in a toxic environment.

Once they accept your fish, they’ll put them in an “adoption tank”. By the way, those tanks are always clean and have everything that the fish needs. Your pet will stay there for as long as they need until they get a loving and safe home. The new family will be thoroughly vetted before the fish’s ownership status gets transferred to them at a lower fee—lower than the retail price.

But remember, you still have to seek more information about your local Petco store policies. Because from our understanding, not all Petco stores have been equipped to handle unwanted pet fish, and the policies vary. Some of them don’t even have adoption tanks set up.

How Can I Make My Petco Fish-Adoption Process Seamless?

Even if your local branch usually accepts unwanted pet fish, their tanks might be full to capacity. And if that’s true, you’ll have to think about a different way of solving your “problem”.

Also, as mentioned earlier, some requirements have to be met first, or the process won’t be free of obstacles. There have been instances where Petco had to reject their client’s request, due to issues that could have been avoided.

Contact the Store

Once you have the contact information, call or email them. Their response time is fast, as they have their customer call centers fully operational during working hours. Ask them all your pertinent questions, and don’t forget to share the pet’s information. This step is important, as it saves time in wasted trips.

If they don’t accept unwanted pet fish in that location, they’ll tell you right away. However, if they do, they’ll ask you to give them a minute to discuss your options. The staff members will then convene, just to be sure that they have space and everything else that would be needed to take care of an unwanted pet fish.

couple buying pet fishes in pet shop
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

Take Your Fish to the Vet

You’ll never be able to convince any Petco store to accept a sick fish. And since they are experienced professionals, you won’t be able to hide the fact that your fish is not in the best of shape.

Schedule a veterinary visit before handing over the fish. Even if you believe your fish is in perfect condition, a vet report will go a long way toward making sure that your fish finds a stable, safe, and healthy home.

The vet will first request your pet’s history. They’ll then make an observation for a couple of minutes, before conducting a hands-on examination. Should they feel the need to give diagnostic tests, you’ll be told. But if the pet looks fine, they’ll give you a report that you can use in the subsequent step.

Don’t Mail the Fish

Now, it’s no secret that Petco has an online option for anyone looking to purchase fish via their website. They’ll also ship the pet on your behalf, but at a cost, if you live in a different state. They are able to safely mail pets to various destinations because they’ve heavily invested resources in their business.

Their experience in this game is why they are well-versed in the challenges involved. It’s for this reason that they’ll never accept mail-in pets from anyone.

Even if you’ve taken the necessary precautions to ensure your fish gets there as healthy as possible, they won’t be willing to take that chance. Simply put, you’ll have to find a way to get there in person or find an alternative.

Veterinarian holding a goldfish
Image Credit: Digital Art StudioTH, Shutterstock

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What Are the Alternative Ways of Rehoming a Pet Fish?

Reach Out To your Local Environmental Organization for Advice

Have you ever heard of Habitattitude US?  It’s one of the many pet advocacy organizations that have launched campaign drives that are meant to educate people on the egregious health, economic, and environmental effects of releasing unwanted pets into the wild.

There’s also the US Fish and Wildlife Service that was established to enhance, protect, and conserve plants and wildlife (including aquatic animals) in their natural habitats. You can reach out to both organizations and countless others for help.

Ask for Help from Local Businesses

We have so many businesses that have aquariums in their offices. Of course, they are there to make those spaces aesthetically appealing, but this doesn’t matter as long as they treat their pets with respect and love.

Ask them if they have extra space for your pet fish and if they’ll be okay with you visiting from time to time.

Pet shop employee helps an elderly man choose an aquarium fish
Image Credit: Bear Fotos, Shutterstock

Find a Hobbyist

By definition, a hobbyist is someone who passionately pursues a particular hobby. And that’s how you know your fish will be in good hands. Finding such people might not be as easy as finding an animal conservancy organization, but that’s why we have online forums in this day and age. Just get in there and search for an aquarium enthusiast.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find someone who’s not only knowledgeable in quarantine procedures but also loves having a pet fish as much as you do.

Create an Online Ad

Selling a pet is never easy, seeing as they are always viewed as family members. Nonetheless, if money is a problem, and that specific species can fetch a good price on the market, you could sell them to an animal lover.

In our opinion, anyone who’s willing and ready to pay a fee for something understands the value of that thing.

While creating the ad, make sure you remember to include the condition of purchase, the size of the fish, the specific species type, photos, and any other information that might be deemed useful, such as genetic abnormalities or diseases.

happy young woman with goldfish for home aquarium in petshop
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

Offer Them to a Family Member

Do you know what’s the best alternative to Petco? Transferring the fish’s ownership status to a family member or close friend. Particularly if they are knowledgeable about proper fish care and have the requisite tools to guarantee a healthy lifestyle. If they don’t have the supplies or pieces of equipment, you could lend them yours.

What Shouldn’t You Do with An Unwanted Fish?

Do not ever think about releasing them into the wild. Though tempting, disposing of the fish using this option could negatively affect the environment. If they were sick at the time of release, they’ll spread that sickness to other animals.

You also have to think about how they are going to get their food. Animals bred in captivity are not skilled enough to hunt on their own to survive. That’s to say, they might die of starvation.

man with new fishes near the aquarium
Image Credit: M-Production, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Many Petco stores accept unwanted pet fish, on condition that they are healthy. Once taken in, they are housed in adoption tanks and then sold to other pet parents at a small fee. However, not all branches have this option available, so make sure to call ahead first.


Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

The post Does Petco Take Unwanted Fish? Facts, FAQ & Alternatives appeared first on Pet Keen.

How Well Can Fish Smell? Olfactory Facts & FAQs

Fish have a completely different existence than what we’re used to. After all, they are constantly in water, they breathe through gills, and they swim around in the depths of water sources. Since we can’t relate to any of these things, and their bodies are so drastically different from ours, we may wonder if they have the five same basic senses.

So, can fish smell? The truth is, fish can most certainly smell, though the process is a bit different. In this article, we will discuss how fish smells and how important their sense of smell actually is.

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Olfactory Senses of a Fish

Like humans, fish have access to all five senses: smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound. Dr. Kelly Wright researched the olfactory function of fish and came back with some unique findings. She discovered that olfaction is actually a remarkably necessary sense for fish to navigate their surroundings.

Location of Olfactory Receptors

You can find fish’s olfactory receptors in pits on the snout—much like our own noses. However, they are built slightly differently, not used for oxygen but for smell.

Small sacs containing scent receptors are just under the skin between the nare openings. Water, which contains scent, travels through these sacks that connect directly to the brain by nerve endings.

Goldfish waiting for food
Image Credit: Kravchuk Olga, Shutterstock

How Do Fish Use a Sense of Smell?

Fish use a sense of smell for the following reasons:
  • Locating familiar areas and home bases: Like many animals, fish use their sense of smell to identify familiar ground. Some fish live in coral reefs, bays, rivers, and other water sources in generally the same area.

  • Locating spawning ground: Some fish, like salmon, use their sense of smell to identify a spawning ground where they go to lay eggs. So, a sense of smell is super important for reproduction.

  • Recognition of other familiar fish: Some fish recognize other familiar fish. They can bridge the connection thanks to their sense of smell along with other sensory clues.

  • Sensing danger: Fish would be gobbled up all the time if they couldn’t detect predators lurking nearby. Their sense of smell helps them navigate away from potential threats.

  • Stalking prey: In addition to avoiding becoming a meal themselves, fish also used this sense to stalk prey of their own.

If you’re new to the world of goldfish keeping or are experienced but love to learn more, we highly recommend you check out the best-selling book, The Truth About Goldfish, on Amazon.The Truth About Goldfish New Edition

From diagnosing illnesses and providing correct treatments to proper nutrition, tank maintenance and water quality advice, this book will help you to ensure your goldfish are happy and to be the best goldfish keeper you can be.

Can All Fish Smell?

All species of fish have the ability to smell. Some might have a keener sense of smell than others for activities like hunting and communication. However, every fish has the same sensory capabilities as humans. They simply experience them differently.

All fish, along with the other four, need this sense to defend themselves, deflect danger, find food, and receive information.

white and orange fish in an aquarium
Image Credits: PDPics, Pixabay

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Conclusion

So now you know that fishes do, in fact, have a sense of smell. It is among the same five senses that human beings have. They use their sense of smell for various activities on their typical day.

The difference is that rather than breathing through their nostrils, they simply use these passages to transmit scent through the nerves into the brain to receive information about their surroundings. Isn’t it interesting how senses work in different species?


Featured Image Credit: Grigorev Mikhail, Shutterstock

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