From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl – 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.
Around 10 per cent of British households own pet fish – making them the third most popular animal to welcome into our homes after cats and dogs.
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 interesting finned friends.
If space (and money) is no object then there are some incredible huge tropical fish you can opt to put in your enormous tank.
Here are 11 of the biggest - and most colourful - tropical fish for freshwater aquariums.
5. Giant Gourami
Reaching up to 28 inches, Giant Gouramis are gentle giants. They’re intelligent, long-lived, and can become attached to their keepers. With a face only a mother could love, they need large tanks and plenty of open swimming space. A naturally friendly creature, they can coexist with similarly-sized fish. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Clown Knifefish
Looking every inch like something from a horror movie, the elegant Clown Knifefish reaches up to a terrifying three feet. Mainly nocturnal (of course they are) they need plenty of hiding places in their huge aquarium home. Highly predatory, they can only share a tank with fish too big to fit in their gaping mouth - and even then it's a bit of a gamble. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Bichir
Primitive and eel-like, growing up to 24 inches, the Bichir is another fish as likely to give you nightmares as fill you with wonder. We think they are amazing though, with their feathery fins and armor-like scales. They are bottom dwellers but have the ability to breathe air so will regalarly pop up to the surface for a breather - meaning a tight lid is essential. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Common Plecostomus
They may be small in the pet shop but don't be fooled - the Common Plecostomus (or Pleco) can easily reach 18-24 inches in length. These algae eaters are perfect for keeping your tank clear of the green stuff and, as long as they have a few hiding spots, they can thrive in a large community tank. | Canva/Getty Images