Freshwater fish at PetSmart cost about $0.29 to $19.99 per fish in the U.S. catalog examples reviewed on August 12, 2026. The cheapest listings were Comet Goldfish and Rosy Red Minnows, while specialty bettas, unusual fish, GloFish varieties, and some cichlids were much more expensive.
That is only the price of the animal. If you are starting a new aquarium, the tank, filter, water treatment, heater, food, substrate, and testing supplies can cost considerably more than the fish.
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PetSmart freshwater fish prices at a glance
PetSmart does not have one universal price for freshwater fish. The amount varies with the species, size, color variety, and whether the fish is a specialty or selectively bred form. Based on the live-fish listings reviewed, these are useful planning ranges:
| Type of fish | Typical displayed range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Very inexpensive fish | $0.29–$0.49 | Comet Goldfish, Rosy Red Minnows |
| Basic community fish | $2.99–$5.99 | Checker Barbs, Peppermint Platies, Blue Guppies, Red Koi Guppies, Longfin Rosey Barbs |
| Specialty or color-form fish | $10.99–$14.99 | GloFish Pristella Tetras, GloFish Sharks, Red Head Tapajos South American Cichlids |
| Unusual or premium examples | Up to $19.99 | Koi and Samurai Male Bettas, Delhezi Bichirs |
These figures are catalog prices from a specific research snapshot, not a guarantee that every PetSmart store will charge the same amount or have the same fish in stock.
#1 Best Overall
- Compact: Dimension: 7.9"x5.9"x5.9"; 1 Gallon tank; ideal for small spaces, aquarium beginners caring for a single betta, a few shrimp, snails, or a tiny goldfish. Also works as a temporary hospital tank, quarantine tank, or desktop decor (After deducting the filter part, the actual usable volume is approximately 0.8 gal and it will further decrease after adding substrate)
- Customizable Lighting: features a 3-color LED hood with 10 adjustable brightness levels to showcase your fish and tank décor
- Self-Cleaning Filtration: Hidden filter keeps tank clean for easier maintenance. Note: Clean filter sponge and pump regularly to avoid clogging; regular water changes are required — this small tank does not support zero-maintenance use
- Thoughtful Design: its top feeding hole allows for easy feeding without removing the lid; four silicone feet for stability and quiet operation
- Complete Starter Kit: 1x 1 gallon Fish Tank, 1x Filter Sponge, 1x Adjustable Water Pump, 1x LED Hood (Note: The light requires a power transformer (not included) for use. Compatible transformers include 5V 0.5A, 5V 1A, 5V 1.5A, and 5V 2A)
Representative PetSmart fish prices
Here are the individual listings that illustrate the range:
| Fish | Displayed price |
|---|---|
| Comet Goldfish | $0.29–$0.49 |
| Rosy Red Minnow | $0.29 |
| Checker Barb | $2.99 |
| Peppermint Platy | $2.99 |
| Blue Guppy | $4.49 |
| Red Koi Guppy | $4.99 |
| Longfin Rosey Barb | $5.99 |
| GloFish Purple, Green, or Orange Pristella Tetra | $10.99 |
| GloFish Cosmic Blue, Sunburst Orange, Galactic Purple, or Electric Green Shark | $11.99 |
| Red Head Tapajos South American Cichlid | $14.99 |
| Koi or Samurai Male Betta | $19.99 |
| Delhezi Bichir | $19.99 |
Prices shown with two values, such as Comet Goldfish at $0.29–$0.49, may reflect different sizes or variants. A store associate can confirm the exact price of the fish available at your location.
Why are some freshwater fish more expensive?
Species and adult size
A small, commonly stocked fish usually costs less than a less common species with different care requirements. The purchase price can also reflect the fish’s expected size, availability, and the space needed to hold it in the store.
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Color and body forms
Color strains and selectively bred forms often cost more than ordinary versions of the same general type of fish. The Red Koi Guppy listed at $4.99 costs more than the $4.49 Blue Guppy example, while specialty betta forms such as Koi and Samurai Male Bettas were listed at $19.99.
GloFish and other specialty listings
GloFish varieties occupied a higher price tier in the catalog snapshot. GloFish Pristella Tetras were listed at $10.99, and GloFish Sharks at $11.99. These prices are for particular branded color varieties, not a universal price for every tetra or shark-shaped fish.
Rank #2
- 【𝐀 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠】Everything you need to start a thriving aquarium is right here: a crystal-clear fish tank, a multi-stage filtration system, a heater, a digital thermometer, a LED light with Timer, a water changer, and a net. It eliminates worries about water quality, temperature, or light, making it the perfect gift for a kid, a beginner, or anyone desiring the serenity of nature without the hassle.
- 【𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 & 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝】eWonLife small aquarium features a hidden multi-storage design that neatly tucks away all essential gear, including heaters and filters. This gives you a clutter-free view and allows your curious fish to explore happily, fearlessly, and free from harm from the pump
- 【𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚, 𝐅𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬】After the initial sponge filter, we've added ceramic rings and quartz balls to create a paradise for beneficial bacteria. Think of them as a tiny, powerful cleanup crew that constantly removes invisible toxins from fish waste. This creates a clear and stable environment where your aquatic friends can thrive, and far less work for you
- 【𝟕𝟖°𝐅 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 & 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬】The included heater creates a stable, ideal 78°F world for your Betta fish and tropical fish to thrive. The clear LED thermometer instantly confirms the perfect conditions, so you can sit back and enjoy watching your fish swim happily
- 【𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥-𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦】Made from high-clarity, durable plastic, this lightweight tank (15"L x 7.9"W x 8.3"H) fits perfectly on any desk or balcony. The 3.5 gallon swimming space is an ideal home for a Betta, small schooling fish (like Cardinal Tetra or Zebra Danios), and ornamental shrimp (such as Red Cherry or Blue Velvet)
Does PetSmart have discounts on live fish?
The live-fish page displayed an in-store buy four, get the fifth free offer for eligible community fish and GloFish at the time of research. If all five fish qualify, that reduces the average fish price to 80% of the regular combined price. For example, five $2.99 fish would normally total $14.95, making the effective average $2.39 each when one is free.
Do not treat this as a permanent PetSmart policy. Promotions can have expiration dates, exclusions, store-participation rules, and limits on eligible species. Confirm the offer and its terms with the local store before choosing fish based on the discount.
Are PetSmart’s online fish prices and availability guaranteed?
No. PetSmart encourages shoppers to browse potential fish online and then visit a local store to see what is available nearby. The listing is best treated as a guide to possible selection rather than a promise that your nearest location has that species, size, color, or price.
Before traveling, contact the store or check its current local inventory if that option is available. Also ask whether the fish is temporarily unavailable, newly arrived, under observation, or subject to a different in-store price.
Live fish should not be treated like an ordinary item that can automatically be added to a standard online shopping cart and shipped in the same way as aquarium supplies. PetSmart’s guidance directs shoppers to visit a local store to meet the fish available there.
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The fish is often the least expensive part of a first aquarium purchase. PetSmart’s broader aquarium catalog included these displayed examples in the research snapshot:
Rank #3
- HALF MOON AQUARIUM KIT: Clear plastic, half-moon-shaped front allows for unobstructed viewing.
- IDEAL FOR BETTAS: Bettas require minimal maintenance and make great species for beginners.
- MOVABLE LIGHT: Energy-efficient LEDs can be positioned to light tank from above or below.
- CONVENIENT FEEDING: Clear canopy has a hole to make feeding fish easy.
- PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS: Small aquariums like this 1.1-gallon tank are a great way to get started in the freshwater fishkeeping hobby.
- Top Fin aquarium starter kits: $63.99–$199.99
- Aqueon glass aquariums: $11.99–$99.99
- Pre-conditioned aquarium water: $16.99
- Fluval Plant & Shrimp Stratum: $15.99–$31.49
Those products are examples, not a required bundle. Someone who already owns a suitable, cycled aquarium may need only fish and a few consumables. A beginner, however, may need several equipment categories at once. If you are starting from nothing, compare a current, in-stock 10-gallon freshwater aquarium starter kit with the cost of buying the tank, lid, light, filter, and other components separately. Check the exact contents before buying; starter kits differ by brand and size.
Typical items a new fishkeeper may need
- A suitably sized aquarium and lid. Choose the tank for the species and its adult size, not only for the number of fish you want to buy today.
- A filter and replacement media. Filtration helps remove waste and maintain water quality, but it does not replace water changes or testing.
- A heater. Many tropical fish need one, particularly if the room is cool or its temperature fluctuates. Some temperate species have different requirements.
- Water conditioner. Tap water generally needs appropriate treatment before it is added to fish.
- Water-testing supplies. Testing helps identify ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and other water-quality problems.
- Food. Match the food to the species and its feeding habits.
- Substrate, lighting, and safe décor. These depend on the fish, plants, aquarium design, and whether the décor can injure or trap the animals.
- An acclimation and quarantine plan. New fish need to be introduced carefully, and quarantine can reduce the chance of bringing disease into an established aquarium.
PetSmart’s freshwater-aquarium guidance recommends choosing the aquarium according to the fish species and setting up the tank in advance before bringing fish home. That means a low sticker price is not a reason to buy a fish before you have a suitable, prepared environment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the cheapest freshwater fish at PetSmart?
In the catalog snapshot, the lowest single-price example was the Rosy Red Minnow at $0.29. Comet Goldfish were displayed at $0.29–$0.49, depending on the listed size or variant.
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However, “cheapest” does not mean “best for a small tank” or “easiest for a beginner.” Goldfish can grow substantially and produce significant waste. Minnows also have social and environmental needs. Research the species’ adult size, temperature range, group requirements, tank size, diet, and compatible tankmates before purchasing.
How to estimate your real first-purchase budget
Use this simple calculation:
Total starting budget = fish price + aquarium equipment + water-care supplies + food + substrate and décor.
For an established aquarium, the fish portion might be only a few dollars per animal. For a new aquarium, use the displayed starter-kit and equipment prices as a reminder that the total can be many times the price of the fish. Do not add every item in PetSmart’s catalog together: choose only equipment that fits the species and the aquarium you are actually setting up.
Rank #4
- Contains one (1) API QUICK START Freshwater and Saltwater Aquarium Nitrifying Bacteria 4-Ounce Bottle
- Allows instant addition of fish when starting a new aquarium
- Reduces compounds harmful to fish when used routinely
- Helps prevent fish loss in freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Use when starting a new aquarium, when adding new fish and when changing water and filter media
Also leave room for recurring costs such as food, water conditioner, replacement filter media, electricity, treatments when needed, and occasional equipment replacement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price of a freshwater fish at PetSmart?
There is no single meaningful average because PetSmart sells inexpensive minnows and goldfish as well as specialty fish. In the listings reviewed, many basic community fish cost $2.99–$5.99, specialty color varieties and GloFish cost about $10.99–$14.99, and some unusual fish and specialty bettas cost $19.99.
Can I buy freshwater fish from PetSmart online?
PetSmart’s live-fish guidance directs shoppers to browse potential fish online and visit a local store to see the fish available nearby. Online listings should therefore be treated as a guide, not a guarantee of local inventory or a promise of shipment.
Is a $0.29 goldfish a good choice for a small aquarium?
Not necessarily. The price does not indicate the fish’s adult size, space requirements, waste production, or compatibility. Research the species and prepare an appropriately sized aquarium before buying.
How much money should I budget for a PetSmart fish tank?
The fish may cost $0.29–$19.99 in the examples reviewed, but equipment costs more. PetSmart displayed Top Fin starter kits at $63.99–$199.99, while individual Aqueon aquariums ranged from $11.99–$99.99. Your actual total depends on whether you already own a suitable, cycled aquarium and which supplies the species requires.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Plan on about $0.29–$5.99 for many inexpensive or common PetSmart freshwater fish, $10.99–$14.99 for several specialty and GloFish examples, and up to $19.99 for premium bettas and unusual species. Verify the price and stock at your local store, and budget for the aquarium and its care equipment separately. Choose the tank and fish together—not just the fish with the lowest sticker price.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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