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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.
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9. Bumblebee Goby
And the award for cutest bottom-dweller goes to...the adorable Bumblebee Goby. These wee fish make it look like you have bees shooting around the bottom of your aquarium. They can be picked on by other fish so best have a few of them so they can form a gang to protect each other. | Canva/Getty Images
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10. Panda Garra
Another good choice for keeping smaller aquariums spick and span is the Panda Garra. They can get aggressive but only when challenged, so will get along well in a tank with more placid fish. They are well known for their talent at controlling algae, keeping water clear. | Canva/Getty Images
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11. Siamese Algae Eater
The Siamese Algae Eater is very much a fish that 'does what it says on the tin' - gobbling up algae all day long. Simple to care for they are perfect for beginners and get on with pretty much anybody else they are sharing a tank with. | Canva/Getty Images