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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’ll definitely want a few bottom-feeders in your tank - fish and other creatures that will hoover up any food that sinks to the bottom and keep algae under control to make sure the water stays crystal clear.
Here are 11 of the best.
5. Crystal Bee Shrimp
They may not be fish, but tiny Crystal Bee Shrimp make a great addition to any aquarium. It's fascinating to see then scuttling around the bottom of the tank, cleaning as they go, and they don't tend to bother the fish. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Freshwater Snails
Many aquariasts overlook Freshwater Snails but they are a great addition to your watery ecosystem, hunting down the smallest pieces of algae. They are incredibly low-maintenance, don't hassle any of their tankmates and are never done cleaning up. There are many species, including soe dramatic examples like the pictured Apple Snail. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Yoyo Loach
One of the more playful and sociable bottom-feeders, the Yoyo Loach is easy to identify thanks to its unique, maze-like markings (that resembling the word 'yoyo'. Not one for small tanks - they can grow up to six inches in length - they love darting around the aquarium, although that play can see them nip at more slow-moving fishy friends. | Canva/Getty Images
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8. Clown Loach
Another fish that's great for cleaning up in large aquariums (they need a tank of at least 75 gallons), the spectacularly-coloured Clown Loach love a home with plenty of hiding places. Highly sociable, they are happy in groups of at least five. | Canva/Getty Images