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 colourful and interesting finned friends.
But you should be aware that while some fish are placid and happy to live in a ‘community tank’ with a mixture of other species, others are predators that really need their own tank or, at the minimum, carefully-selected tank-mates.
If you want a variery of colourful fish to live in harmony you should choose those with a reputation for not being aggressive.
Here are 13 of the best - who shouldn’t lay a fin on any of their tankmates.
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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 gracing on it. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Rummy Nose Tetras
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