The majority of coastal locations offer different types of fish and seafood on their menus, but which creatures are considered the most expensive seafood in the world? The variety of water natives is large, fluctuating in shapes and sizes across the different seas and oceans. And like every other food group, seafood can be purchased fresh at fishermen’s markets or processed and packaged in retail supermarkets. However, there’s no doubt that the most exclusive, and therefore pricey, types of prawns, oysters, and fish are hard to scout and can require quite the investment.
For those of you who enjoy roaming the oceans on luxury yachts, check out our list of the 8 most expensive boats in the world. Although you will likely be able to acquire several of these seafood options at sea, some are truly difficult to come by. So, if you’re curious to see which water inhabitants are on the menu of gourmet restaurants and what makes them so special, take a look at our list of the most expensive seafood in the world.
8. Scottish lobster
Lobster is generally known as one of the priciest seafood choices on the market and this kind is particularly rare. It can be purchased in Edinburgh, at one of the many fresh seafood markets and the lobster requires a delicate seasoning so as to not overpower the meat’s subtle flavour. 1 kg of this delicacy costs approximately $40.
7. Coffin Bay king oysters
Found in Australia’s Coffin Bay area, these king oysters are no commonality and therefore, rather expensive. With up to 18cm in length, these oysters can weigh 1kg per piece and their price reaches a whopping $100 per oyster. The best way to serve them is raw, so you can conserve all the natural flavours.
6. Red king crab
Crab meat is one of the tastiest amongst the seafood options and the red king crab is definitely the most expensive of the three types. Typically found in very cold regions of the world, such as Alaska, Russia, and Scandinavian countries, it can be quite costly to purchase, especially when imported to other nations. It’s usually sold by 10 pound packages and served steaming hot.
5. Bluefin tuna
While canned tuna is affordable for most people, the Bluefin variety is a whole other story. The Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo is one of the best sources for purchasing the fresh fish and its price depends on the amount purchased. The most expensive Bluefin tuna can cost up to $173,600 for 444lb.
4. Fugu
Known as one of the deadliest fishes in the world, one drop of fugu poison can kill an adult when prepared incorrectly. Found in Asian markets, Japanese chefs receive special training to cook a dish with this delicacy and it’s therefore uncommon for home cooks to buy this fish. However, if cooked by one of the few trained chefs, fugu is a rare culinary delight.
3. Eels
Selling at $2,000 per pound, baby eels are one of the most expensive seafood in the world. This whopping price is due to the fact that the adult species is considered endangered in many countries. However, fishing for baby eels is still permitted in Maine in the USA and the grown fish can be acquired in several regions of the country, such as Portland.
2. Black King Kong shrimp
This shrimp is the tastiest and most expensive of its kind. As such, it’s very difficult to come by and Taiwan remains the only country where it’s bred. However, as demand increases breeders in other countries are bound to emerge, possibly driving the price down in the future.
1. Sturgeon caviar
Stemming from another endangered species – the sturgeon fish – its caviar is the most expensive seafood product in the world. The firm and juicy eggs feature a nutty flavour and farming them is an extensive process as the female sturgeon takes an average of 10 years to produce her eggs. One gram of this delicacy costs $12, translating into $500 per serving.
