From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl (although goldfish are far happier living in a larger tank) – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) say there are an incredible five million indoor fish tanks in Britain.
That meams that roughly 10 per cent of British households own at least one fish – making them the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to adding fish to (well prepared and correctly set up) home aquariums, with pet shops offering a bewildering range of colourful and interesting finned friends that will happily live in the corner of your living room.
If you’re setting up an aquarium for the first time (perhaps after Santa has got you one) it’s worth noting that some fish get on with other breeds, while others are best kept in a tank away from potential rivals (or even food).
If you are looking to create a community tank - an ecosystem where a number of species live in happy and non-aggressive harmony - then there are a fair few species known for their placid and happy-go-lucky nature.
So, here are the 18 best species of fish for community tanks.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
9. Bristlenose Pleco
Amazingly camoflagued - you could be forgiven for thinking they're a rock - Bristlenose Plecos are peaceful algae eaters that help maintain a clean tank. Unlike the Common Plecos, they stay relatively small, making them more suitable for home community aquariums. Pop a piece of driftwood in their tank so they can enjoy grazing on it. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Celestial Pearl Danio
Also known as the Galaxy Rasbora, whatever you call them the tiny Celestial Pearl Danio isn't going to hassle anybody else in its tank. They look like tiny trout and originally hail from Myanmar and Northern Thailand. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are small algae eaters that thrive in groups. They are highly peaceful and help control algae growth in a community tank. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of biofilm and hiding spots. They do best with tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive fish. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Rummy Nose Tetra
Pretty much all tetras get on well in a community tank and are likely to get on with pretty much anybody - other than the bucktooth tetra which is a bit of a scale-nibbling bully. Add a school of Rummy Nose Tetras though and you'll not have any complaints from the rest of your fishy community. | Canva/Getty Images