Meet the Most Expensive Koi Fish Ever Sold for $1.8 Million

Meet the Most Expensive Koi Fish Ever Sold for $1.8 Million

By Sheetal Kumari | June 02, 2025 

Koi are refined, clever carp characterized by their vibrant colors, calm temperament, and long life span — typically exceeding 25 years.

What Are Koi Fish?

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Their aesthetic appeal, breeding value, and symbolism in Japanese culture make koi strongly sought after by collectors globally.

Why Are Koi So Valuable?

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In 2018, a koi fish called S Legend fetched a whopping $1.8 million in Japan.

S Legend

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S Legend was a 39-inch Kōhaku koi, a red-and-white color type that people love for its vibrant patterns.

The Auction Darling

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S Legend was won by collector Ms. Ying Ying Chung after a heated bidding battle at Sakai Fish Farm.

Who Won S Legend?

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Its size, impeccable coloring, and breeding quality made S Legend a worthwhile long-term investment.

Why Was It Worth $1.8 Million?

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Kōhaku koi can produce as many as 100,000 eggs. Even 1% quality fry could be worth thousands.

Breeding Value of S Legend

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Unfortunately, S Legend died in 2019, only one year after creating history.

S Legend’s Untimely Death

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Although gone, S Legend still holds the record as the most costly koi ever sold — a testament to beauty and worth.

The Legacy Lives On

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