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.
If you fancy trying your hand at breeding fish it’s best to opt for livebearing species - those that give birth to live young, or sprats.
Other species lay eggs which are then fertilised, but these are susceptible to being gobbled up by hungry adult fish.
Here are 10 of the most popular livebearing option.
9. Sailfin Molly
Easily identified by their large dorsal fins, Sailfin Mollies breed just as easily as their more diminuatively-finned cousins. They need a little more space than normal mollies though, so this is a breed for owners of larger aquariums. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Wrestling Halfbeak
For something a bit more unusual, the decidedly weird-looking Wrestling Halfbeak is a top dwelling breed always on the lookout for food on the surface. These livebearers have a tendancy to jump - so make sure your tank lid stays on. | Canva/Getty Images