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.
13. Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus Catfish are small algae eaters that thrive in groups. They are highly peaceful and help control algae growth in a community tank. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of biofilm and hiding spots. They do best with tetras, rasboras, and other non-aggressive fish. | Canva/Getty Images