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.
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13. Zebra Danio
Also known as the Zebra Fish, due its distinctively stripy body, this is a small fish that is very chilled with other aquarium buddies. Get at least five and they will naturally form a school. These fish will eat pretty much anything so that's another thing you shouldn't need to worry about. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Kuhli Loach
Kuhli Loach For something a bit unusual, add a few Kuhli Loach to your community tank. These peaceful, eel-like fish thrive in groups and enjoy burrowing in the substrate. They are nocturnal and prefer a well-planted tank with hiding spots. They are excellent at cleaning up leftover food but should be fed sinking pellets to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Ember Tetra
These extraordinary glowing orange fish are guaranteed to add spectacle to your tank. They school tightly together creating something akin to an underwater fireworks displace. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent for community tanks - and they thrive in aquariums with plenty of vegetation. | Canva/Getty Images
16. Molly
Mollies are adaptable and peaceful little fish that come in a variety of colors - including orange and black. They’re livebearers so you may wake up to a few new fish in your tank. They are pretty unfussy about tank conditions and are reliable community fish. | Canva/Getty Images