Top 10 Most Expensive Edible Fish In The World

Fish are generally common to eat and can be found all over the globe. However, In the realm of fine dining and culinary indulgence, some ingredients transcend the ordinary and reach unparalleled levels of luxury.

The world's most expensive edible fish not only tantalize the taste buds but also leave a lasting mark on the world of haute cuisine. Renowned for its impeccable taste, marbling, and scarcity, these majestic fish have earned their place as a symbol of culinary opulence.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 10 most expensive edible fish in the world that you can try.

10. Sockeye Salmon (~$20 Per Pound)

Sockeye Salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus nerka, is a species of salmon native to the North Pacific Ocean and its tributary rivers and lakes. Sockeye Salmon boasts a robust, full-bodied flavor with a moist, tender, and slightly flaky texture. Its intense, rich taste is often described as "salmon at its finest."

Celebrated for its outstanding flavor, this type of salmon is frequently subjected to smoking to enhance its inherent taste. The price of Sockeye Salmon can vary depending on factors such as size, source, and demand. One would expect to pay approximately $20 per pound for this exquisite fish.

9. Dover Sole (~$29 Per Pound)

The Dover Sole, scientifically known as Solea solea, is a species of flatfish found in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Its exceptional characteristics and culinary appeal have elevated it to iconic status in the world of seafood.

Dover Sole boasts a delicate, sweet flavor with a tender, flaky texture. Its mild taste allows it to be a perfect canvas for showcasing complementary flavors. Some might say that it resembles the taste of beef or spiced chicken making it an alternative choice for those who don't like fish much.

Nevertheless, Dover Sole can be quite pricey as some restaurants serve them for as high as $29 per pound.

8. Halibut (~$30 Per Pound)

Halibut, scientifically known as Hippoglossus, is a flatfish that inhabits the cold waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. This magnificent creature, known for its impressive size and extraordinary attributes, reigns supreme in the world of seafood luxury.

Halibut boasts a mild, delicate flavor with a moist, flaky texture that practically melts in your mouth. Halibut is exceptionally versatile in the kitchen as it can be prepared in multiple ways.

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Halibut can fetch a hefty price tag in high-end restaurants going as high as $30 or more per pound.

7. Chinook Salmon (~$30 Per Pound)

Chinook Salmon, often referred to as king salmon, is the largest and most celebrated species of salmon found in the Pacific Ocean and its surrounding waters. Chinook Salmon boasts a rich, buttery flavor with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Its flesh ranges from deep orange to vibrant red.

Whether grilled to perfection, broiled, baked, or served raw as sashimi or sushi, it consistently delivers a decadent and memorable dining experience. Premium cuts of Chinook Salmon, especially those destined for sushi and sashimi, can command remarkable prices, ranging from $20 to $30 or more per pound.

6. Yellowfin Tuna (~$30 Per Pound)

Yellowfin Tuna, often known simply as "ahi" in Hawaii and "maguro" in Japan, is a species of tuna found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Its distinctively yellow fins and sleek body make it easily identifiable.

Yellowfin Tuna boasts a delectable, mild flavor with a clean, slightly sweet undertone. It can be enjoyed raw as sashimi or sushi, seared to perfection, grilled, baked, or even used in dishes like ceviche and tartare.

The price of Yellowfin Tuna can vary depending on factors such as size, grade, and location. Premium cuts of Yellowfin Tuna, especially those destined for sashimi and sushi, can reach remarkable prices, ranging from $15 to $30 or more per pound.

5. Swordfish (~$60 Per Pound)

The Swordfish is a pelagic fish known for its streamlined, powerful body and its distinctive, elongated upper jaw, which resembles a sword—hence the name. Found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, Swordfish can reach formidable sizes, with some individuals weighing up to 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms).

Its firm, steak-like flesh makes it a versatile choice for various culinary preparations. The global demand for Swordfish, particularly in high-end seafood markets, has led to its limited availability, thereby driving up its price.

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It can cost up to $60 per pound for this delicate fish and it is also a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin D and selenium.

4. Alaska Wild Caught King Salmon (~$70 Per Pound)

Alaska Wild-Caught King Salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, is the largest and most revered species of salmon in the Pacific Ocean. These majestic fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals weighing over 100 pounds.

King Salmon boasts a rich, buttery flavor with a velvety texture that practically melts in your mouth. Its flesh is deep orange or red, depending on diet and habitat. King Salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. 

Its consumption is associated with numerous health benefits, including heart health and brain function. The Alaska wild-caught King Salmon is a prized ingredient in upscale restaurants all over the world and costs as high as $70 per pound.

3. Pufferfish (~$200 Per Pound)

Not only is it the world's most expensive edible fish but also one of the most dangerous fish to consume. Also referred to as fugu in Japan, this unassuming marine creature is not only expensive due to its scarcity but also due to the inherent danger associated with its preparation.

The pufferfish contains a potent neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin, which can be fatal if ingested in even small quantities. That is why in Japan, you are required to have a certificate stating that you are qualified to prepare pufferfish. 

With so many species out there, it's the Japanese fugu, specifically the Japanese tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes), that is most celebrated in haute cuisine. If you are willing to bet on your life and have a mouthwatering experience, you can pay as high as $200 per pound for this pufferfish.

2. American Glass Eel (As High As $3,000 Per Pound)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The American Glass Eel, scientifically known as Anguilla rostrata, is a diminutive eel species found primarily on the eastern coast of North America, ranging from the Caribbean to Canada.

The American Glass Eel is characterized by its limited availability which explains its exorbitant price tag. American Glass Eels are a delicacy in various cuisines worldwide, particularly in Japan and some European countries. Their tender flesh and unique flavor profile make them highly sought after by chefs.

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In Japan, they are known as "unagi" and are a staple in traditional dishes like unadon (grilled eel over rice). Despite being cheap back in the day, 1 pound of American Glass Eel can set you back to around $3000.

1. Bluefin Tuna (As High As $5,000 Per Pound)

The bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus, is a species of tuna found in the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and parts of the Pacific Ocean. These remarkable fish can grow to immense sizes, with some individuals exceeding 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) in weight. 

Their flesh is highly regarded for its rich, buttery texture and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. The larger the bluefin tuna, the more valuable it becomes. Older, larger tuna often yield more desirable cuts with higher fat content, making them the most expensive edible fish in the world.

Some can go as high as $5,000 per pound with high-end restaurants and sushi establishments willing to pay such prices for the finest cuts. In 2019, an astonishing 600-pound bluefin tuna was purchased for approximately ¥333.6 million, which translates to a staggering $3 million.

Source: 

• Detik Food

Also read: Top 7 Most Expensive Steaks In The World