What is the Most Rare Fish in Animal Crossing?
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The title of the most rare fish in the Animal Crossing series often sparks debate among players. However, the fish that consistently tops the list and is widely considered the rarest is the Coelacanth. This prehistoric-looking fish is not only elusive but also carries a certain mystique due to its real-world counterpart being considered a “living fossil.” The Coelacanth’s rarity is further amplified by its specific weather-related requirements and its high selling price, making it a prized catch for any dedicated angler in Animal Crossing. While other fish like the Golden Trout, Barreleye, and Great White Shark are also notoriously difficult to find, the Coelacanth’s combination of unique spawning conditions and real-world historical significance solidifies its status as the rarest catchable fish across various Animal Crossing titles.
Understanding the Rarity of the Coelacanth
The Coelacanth isn’t rare solely because of its low spawn rate; several factors contribute to its elusiveness:
- Weather Dependency: The Coelacanth will only appear when it’s raining on your island. This weather restriction significantly narrows down the times you can attempt to catch it. Clear skies or other weather patterns mean the Coelacanth won’t spawn.
- Time of Day Independence: Unlike many rare fish that appear only at certain hours, the Coelacanth can be caught at any time of day as long as it’s raining.
- Location: This fish resides in the ocean, meaning you’ll need to patrol the coastlines of your island to find it. You can’t find it in rivers, ponds or the sea.
- Shadow Size: The Coelacanth has a large shadow size, which is shared with other large fish such as sharks. This can lead to frustrating moments where you think you’ve found it, only to reel in a different large ocean fish.
- Rarity Despite Availability: Even under the right conditions, its spawn rate is very low, making it one of the most frustrating fish to catch for many players.
These conditions combined make the Coelacanth a formidable challenge for even the most seasoned Animal Crossing players. The element of chance involved adds to its allure and makes catching one a moment of true triumph.
Why Are Rare Fish Important in Animal Crossing?
Rare fish like the Coelacanth serve multiple purposes in Animal Crossing, contributing to the overall gameplay experience:
- Collection Goal: Many players aim to complete their museum’s fish collection, making rare catches highly desirable. The thrill of finally adding a Coelacanth to your museum’s exhibit is a big reward for persistent players.
- Financial Gain: Rare fish often come with high selling prices. The Coelacanth, for instance, sells for 15,000 Bells, which makes it one of the most lucrative fish to catch.
- Prestige and Recognition: Displaying or talking about your rare fish catches can offer a sense of prestige among other players, showing off your dedication and luck.
- Personal Accomplishment: Catching rare fish is a personal challenge. Overcoming the odds and the difficulty of catching a Coelacanth gives a sense of accomplishment for players.
Other Notable Rare Fish
While the Coelacanth is arguably the rarest, several other fish deserve an honorable mention for their elusiveness and high value. Here are a few that often challenge players:
- Great White Shark: Recognizable by its distinctive fin, this shark is only available during certain months and comes with a large shadow.
- Golden Trout: Found only in clifftop rivers, this trout is both rare and only available at certain times of day and specific months.
- Barreleye: This fish, with its transparent head, is found in the ocean and, like the Coelacanth, is available all year round.
- Stringfish: Available only during specific months, the stringfish lurks in the river and requires some luck to find.
- Ocean Sunfish: This flat, large fish is another ocean dweller known for being rare.
- Mahi-Mahi: Only found at the pier this rare fish, while not as difficult as the Coelacanth, still demands effort to catch.
- Dorado: This rare river fish spawns during specific months and can be quite challenging to catch.
Each of these fish adds variety and challenges to the game, ensuring that catching fish remains an engaging activity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I catch a Coelacanth in any Animal Crossing game?
Yes, the Coelacanth appears in almost all core Animal Crossing games, including Animal Crossing: New Horizons, New Leaf, and earlier titles. However, the specific conditions to catch it may vary slightly between games.
2. How do I know if it is raining in Animal Crossing?
Rain is pretty noticeable, as the sky will turn dark grey, and the sounds of rain will be prominent. Your character will also hold an umbrella if you have one equipped.
3. Is the Coelacanth the most profitable fish in Animal Crossing?
The Coelacanth is one of the most profitable fish, selling for 15,000 Bells. It shares this price with the Great White Shark, Golden Trout, Barreleye, Dorado, and Stringfish.
4. Is it better to sell fish to CJ or Nook?
CJ buys fish for 1.5 times their normal price, so it’s generally better to sell fish to CJ when he’s visiting your island.
5. Can I use fish bait to catch a Coelacanth?
Yes, fish bait can be used to spawn fish near you, but it does not guarantee a Coelacanth will appear. You’ll still need to ensure it’s raining, and it only spawns in the ocean.
6. Do specific time of day affect the Coelacanth spawn?
No. Once it is raining, the Coelacanth will spawn at any time of day.
7. How do I track how many fish I have caught?
The Critterpedia in your NookPhone tracks how many unique species of fish you have caught and donated to the museum.
8. Is there a trick to making it rain in Animal Crossing?
Unfortunately, there is no way to control the weather in Animal Crossing. You’ll need to wait for it to rain naturally.
9. Can I get a Coelacanth model?
Yes, you can have CJ create a model of a Coelacanth if you give him three Coelacanths.
10. What is the rarest bug in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The Giraffe Stag is considered one of the rarest bugs in New Horizons. It only spawns on specific palm trees and during certain hours and months.
11. What is the smallest shadow fish in Animal Crossing?
The tadpole has the smallest shadow size. However, they are not difficult to catch, and they are not a very profitable fish.
12. What is the oldest fish in Animal Crossing?
Based on the real world, the Coelacanth is the oldest fish, as they existed alongside dinosaurs.
13. How do I get the Lily of the Valley flower in Animal Crossing?
The Lily of the Valley is a rare flower that only spawns on a five-star island, and they will continue to spawn as long as the island rating is maintained.
14. Can sharks eat me in Animal Crossing?
No, while there are sharks in the game, they don’t attack players. You can safely swim and fish near them.
15. Can I catch sharks at the beach?
Yes, sharks will spawn in the ocean. Therefore, if they are present, they can be caught at the beach.