From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl (although goldfish really need far more space to thrive) – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association there are an incredible five million indoor fish tanks in Britain - that’s around 10 per cent of British households who own fish, making them the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
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.
Freshwater (as opposed to saltwater) tanks are the most common type of aquarium, with a multitude of species available to fill them with colour.
Here are the 17 most popular.
13. Rosy Barb
Found in the rivers of Afghanistan and Bangladesh, you ned to be a bit careful if you have Rosy Barbs in your aquarium. Firstly, they can be aggressive towards smaller fish. Secondly, they also are known for jumping out of the water - so make sure you have a well-fitted lid or you might end up finding them on the carpet. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Sucking Loach
Its evocative alternative namne of the Chinese Algae Eater tells you everything you need to know about the Sucking Loach. Originally from fast-flowing Southeast Asian mountain streams, they actually feed on a selection of detritus you'd rather not want in your aquarium, including algae. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Discus
Much-admired for their numerous different colours and patterns, the Discus fish originally comes from the Amazon, and in particular Brazil. A warning to novices though - they can be a difficult breed to keep, being particularly sensitive to water temperature and pH. | Canva/Getty Images
16. Harlequin Rasbora
A favourite with aquariasts since the early 1900s, the Harlequin Rasbora os common across much of Southeast Asia. It's a small, peaceful shoaling fish with a distinctive triangular patch that is particularly popular for community tanks. | Canva/Getty Images Photo: A favourite with aquar