What’s the Rarest Fish to Catch in Animal Crossing?
The question of the absolute rarest fish in the Animal Crossing series sparks a lot of debate among players, but if we’re looking for a single definitive answer, the most consistent and agreed-upon contender for the rarest fish in Animal Crossing is the Coelacanth. This prehistoric-looking fish has earned its reputation for being elusive due to its specific spawning requirements, making it a true trophy catch for any avid angler in the game.
Why is the Coelacanth So Rare?
The Coelacanth’s rarity doesn’t stem from a low spawn rate alone; rather, it’s the combination of factors that make it so challenging to find. Here’s why catching a Coelacanth is considered an achievement:
- Weather Requirement: The most significant hurdle is that the Coelacanth only appears when it is raining. This means that you cannot simply fish any time of the day to try and catch it; you need the weather to cooperate first.
- Availability: While it can be caught all year round and at any time of day, the dependence on rain drastically reduces the opportunities to encounter it, since rain isn’t a constant occurrence.
- Rarity Compared to Others: Even during a rain shower, the Coelacanth is still less common than other fish that spawn, making every catch a truly rewarding experience.
While other fish might seem difficult to find, such as those with specific time-of-day or seasonal requirements, the Coelacanth’s rain dependency makes it the most challenging. Other fish may have low spawn rates or have to be caught in specific locations, but rain is a condition that you can’t control, thus adding an extra layer of difficulty.
Other Contenders for “Rarest” Fish
While the Coelacanth takes the crown for many players, there are other fish in the Animal Crossing world that are also considered quite rare due to their own unique challenges:
- Golden Trout: This dazzling fish appears only in clifftop rivers, and it is a seasonal fish. These limitations, combined with its low spawn rate, make it a coveted catch.
- Stringfish: Another clifftop river dweller, the Stringfish only appears during the late evening and night hours, during certain months of the year, and with a very low spawn rate.
- Sharks (Great White, Hammerhead, Saw, Whale Shark): While sharks have high value and large shadows, they don’t have specific weather requirements like the Coelacanth. They are generally rarer than most fish, especially Great White Sharks.
- Barreleye: Found in the ocean, the Barreleye has a small shadow, is only available during night time hours, and isn’t very common, making it an elusive target.
Is Rarity the Only Factor?
It is essential to note that “rarity” can mean different things to different players. The joy of fishing in Animal Crossing often lies in the quest of discovery, and the sense of satisfaction gained from catching any hard-to-find fish. While the Coelacanth might be considered the most objectively rare, players might feel that other fish pose a greater challenge or provide a bigger sense of accomplishment for personal reasons.
Moreover, the availability of fish bait in New Horizons can sometimes skew the perception of rarity, allowing you to create your own chances rather than waiting for ideal conditions. However, even with bait, the Coelacanth still requires rain, so it continues to maintain its status as the ultimate challenge.
A Final Word on the Elusive Coelacanth
Ultimately, the Coelacanth holds a special place in the hearts of Animal Crossing players because it’s not just a hard fish to catch—it’s a fish that forces you to wait, to observe, and to embrace the unpredictable nature of the game’s simulated world. Each catch of a Coelacanth is an achievement, a victory for patience, and one of the most memorable experiences in Animal Crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the Coelacanth worth in Animal Crossing?
A: The Coelacanth is worth 15,000 Bells when sold at Nook’s Cranny. This makes it one of the most profitable fish in the game.
2. What time of day can I catch a Coelacanth?
A: You can catch the Coelacanth at any time of day as long as it is raining.
3. Is the Coelacanth available all year round?
A: Yes, the Coelacanth is available all year round, but again only when it’s raining.
4. What is the best method for catching a Coelacanth?
A: The best method is to be patient and fish only when it’s raining. You can use fish bait to increase the chance of a fish spawning, but remember, the weather condition is paramount.
5. Are there any special conditions to catch a Golden Trout?
A: Yes, the Golden Trout can be found in clifftop rivers during certain months and times of the day.
6. What’s the most valuable shark to catch in the game?
A: The Great White Shark is the most valuable shark in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and sells for 15,000 Bells.
7. What is the easiest way to catch sharks?
A: Sharks are identified by their distinct finned shadows in the ocean. Using fish bait can increase your encounters, but patience is still key.
8. Is it better to sell sharks or donate them to the museum?
A: That’s up to you! Selling them is quite profitable, but donating one each will complete your museum’s fish collection. It depends on your individual goals.
9. What’s the rarest sea creature in Animal Crossing?
A: While many are hard to find, the Gigas Giant Clam, which sells for 15,000 Bells, is considered one of the most sought-after sea creatures in New Horizons.
10. What are the most valuable crafted items in Animal Crossing?
A: The Trophy Case and Street Piano are among the most valuable crafted items, but their recipes can be rare.
11. Do different fish sell for different prices at different times?
A: No, fish prices remain the same all day, every day, at Nook’s Cranny. However, some fish fetch more bells when they are sold to C.J.
12. What does a ‘shadow size’ mean in Animal Crossing?
A: The shadow size refers to the visual size of the fish shadow in the water, and it helps determine what fish you are likely to catch.
13. What are the rarest bugs to catch in Animal Crossing?
A: Some of the rarest bugs include the Golden Stag, Dorado, and Giraffe Stag, which often have specific time and location requirements.
14. Can I swim in Animal Crossing at night?
A: Yes, you can swim at night, and some sea creatures are only active during nighttime hours.
15. Is there an “end” to Animal Crossing?
A: Animal Crossing is an open-ended game without a traditional ending. However, reaching a 5-star island rating and completing the museum are often considered significant achievements.