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.
Setting up an aquarium for the first time it can be a daunting task, ensuring that everything is just right before welcoming your new finned friends into their new environment.
But some species of fish can take some of the stress out of the first few weeks, being remarkably easy to look after - and not being too fussy about things like food and water pH.
So, here are 13 of the best species of schooling fish for first-time aquarists (the posh name for people who maintain aquariums).
9. Swordtail
No prizes for guessing how the Swordtail got its name - with its distinctive tail differentiating it from its close cousin the Platy. Selective breeding means they are available in a wide variety of colours including black, silver, orange, red, and mixed patterns. They are great for beginners as they are a community fish, meaning they get on well with other species. The only exception is males can be territorial with other males - so maybe only add one to your tank. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Harlequin Rasbora
The colourful Harlequin Rasbora is a native of Southeast Asia is a small fish that will form a dazzling shoal in your aquarium. Get up to 10 of them - they get on well with everyone and are happy to just eat basic fish flakes. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Red-tailed Black Shark
Despite its name, the Red-tailed Black Shark is more closely related to the humble Carp than the Great White. Critically endangered in its native Thailand, this fish is common in aquariums, where they are all captively bred. Their one drawback is that they can be aggressive against fellow Red-tailed Black Sharks - something to look out for. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Cherry Barb
Another schooling fish, you'll want a minimum of six Cherry Barb in your tank to keep them happy. Native to Sri Lanka, keep the ratio at two females to every male to maintain a healthy hierarchy. It's easy to tell the difference as the male is deep red, compared to the female's browny red colour. | Canva/Getty Images