RE: What is the most you would ever pay for a fish?
$80? What fish was it?
The most I have ever paid for a fish was $8. My two German Blue Ram cost me $8 each from liveaquaria. My Neon Rainbowfish cost me $8 each from Pet Supplies Plus. Most other fish only cost $1~3 since I mostly buy small sized freshwater tropical fish. I will move up the value chain eventually when I can get myself a bigger aquarium.
However, consider I am not pleased with the quality of the fish from local Walmart and Pet Supplies Plus, I often buy my live fish online. It cost $35 for overnight shipping which add to the total cost.