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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9. Guppy
With it's alternative name of the Rainbow Fish, it's no wonder that the Guppy makes this list. They have been selectively bred to come in a range of colours - all stunning. Originally from northeast South America, they give birth to live babies. Many an aquarium owner has woken up to find numerous tiny baby Guppies in their tank. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Killifish
Killifish are small, brightly colored fish that display intricate patterns in shades of blue, red, yellow, and orange. Mainly found in the Americas, Killifish is the name for a number of related species of a fish - around 1,270 in total, each with its own distinctive colour pallete. A peaceful breed, they do like to jump out of the water - so make sure to keep your aquarium lid on. | Canva/Getty Images
11. German Blue Ram
The stunning German Blue Ram is native to Venezuela and Colombia and has iridescent blue scales, a yellow body, and red accents. The dwarf cichlid flaunts is peaceful, though sensitive to water quality and prefers warmer tanks. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Redline Torpedo Barb
The pretty red, black, silver and yellow Redline Torpedo Barb wass nearly collected to extinction in its native India - such is their popularity with aquariasts. Rest assured that any you buy in pet shops will have been captive bred. | Canva/Getty Images