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.
There are an remarkable five million indoor fish tanks in the UK alone, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).
That’s about 10 per cent of British households – making fish the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
It’s a fascinating hobby, particularly for youngsters, and there are few more relaxing activities than watching fish slowly swim around their home.
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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 finned friends that will happily live in the corner of your living room.
The first decision to make is whether you are going to pick a freshwater or saltwater tank - saltwater is a little more demanding - before choosing your fish breeds.
Of course one of the things that attract people to tropical fish is their bright colours.
These serve a number of functions - including a warning to predators to stay away, signal to other species, blend in with colourful coral, or to attracting a mate.
So, here are 12 of the most colourful fish for tropical freshwater aquariums.
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5. Betta
Perhaps better known at the Siamese Fighting Fish, the Betta also comes in a seemingly never-ending series of dramatic colous combinations. Among the most popular aquarium fish in the world, males are hugely aggressive and territorial - meaning only one can be kept in a tank. They can even get grumpy if they see another male in a different tank. They are endemic to central Thailand but now live in lounges around the globe. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Jewel Cichlid
While they come in a variety of colours, the most familiar Jewel Cichlid is the spotty orange type. You'll need a tank of at least 40 gallons to keep them and, like most Chichlids, they are quite aggressive - so be careful who you choose as tankmates (other Cichlids being the safest option). | Canva/Getty Images
7. Clown Loach
Originating on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo, the Clown Loach is a popular aquarium fish thanks to its distinctive tiger-like orange-and-black stripes. They are highly sociable and commonly enjoy playing with other fish. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Cardinal Tetra
The Neon Tetra may be the most popular aquarium fish in the world, but its close cousin the Cardinal Tetra is the more colourful, with a more vibrant neon blue upper and a red stripe extending across its whole body (the Neon Teatra's only runs half way). Native to the Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America, they are slightly less hardy than the Neon Tetra - and more expensive to buy. | Canva/Getty Images