It is estimated that 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.
From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
And the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) say there are an incredible five million indoor fish tanks in Britain.
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 - both for freshwater and saltwater tanks.
But some fish top the charts when it comes to popularity amongst aquarists (the fancy name for people who maintain aquariums).
Here are the 10 species of reef fish that are most commonly found in saltwater aquariums in living rooms around the country.
5. Flame Angelfish
All Angelfish are stunning but perhaps none are quite as striking as the Flame Angelfish with their red-orange body with black and blue rear. They can be aggressive so you need to be careful when choosing their tank-buddies. They need live rock (old coral colonized by invertebrates, corals, sponges, and bacteria) to graze on. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Copperband Butterflyfish
A delicate and pretty fish with an adorable elongated snout, the Copperband Butterflyfish is a real favorite for aquarists. However, it can be difficult to feed, as it often prefers live foods. It is peaceful and can help control aiptasia (pest anemones), but it requires a mature, well-maintained tank to thrive. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Banggai Cardinalfish
Another great choice for beginners is the Banggai Cardinalfish - a striking black-and-white striped fish with elegant fins that is a peaceful and hardy addition to aquariums. They are slow moving and won't bother any of their tankmates, although are nocturnal so like an aquarium with subdued lighting. They like being kept with a group of fellow-Cardinalfish who they will form a family group with. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Longnose Hawkfish
You certainly won't confuse the Longnose Hawkfish with any other fish, thanks to its distinctive red-and-white checkered pattern and an elongated snout. They tend to spend most of their day chilling on coral or rocks but can't share a tank with small fish, which they consider to be a tasty snack. | Canva/Getty Images