A Better Betta By Far

Like most things in life, the world of fishkeeping has a subculture of enthusiasts that are prepared to pay top dollar for the very best. No expense is spared in ensuring that their fish are bigger, better and rarer than anyone else’s and there are plenty of breeders ready to tap into that demand.

But while it’s almost common to hear of outrageously expensive basslets, angelfish or arowanas, there are also aquarists who are ready to splash their cash on outstanding examples of more familiar species – especially if the fish have something a little special about them.

One such spectacular specimen is a Plakat betta recently sold on a private Facebook betta Auction group. Thanks to its stunning colouration that almost exactly mirrors the red, white and blue stripes of the national flag of Thailand, the final bid for the little fish ended at a massive 53,000 baht, or $1,500 US dollars, making it the most expensive betta fish in the world.

Despite the hefty price tag, however, beauty remains fleeting - some aquarists have already pointed out that the fish could be beginning to show signs of a genetic mutation that causes fish to change colour dramatically as they age. In addition to rare and exotic fish themselves then, there might even be a market for expensive aquatic anti-ageing treatments as well...