From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl (although goldfish need far more space to live healthily and happily) – Britain has long been a nation of fish lovers.
There are an estimated five million indoor aquariums in the UK according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) - that’s around 10 per cent of all housholds.
That makes fish of all sapes and sizes the third most popular pet in the land, after cats and dogs and cats.
It’s a great hobby, particularly for youngsters, and watching fish slowly swim around their home is wonderfully relaxing.
There’s plenty of choice for well prepared and correctly set up home aquariums, with pet shops offering a huge range of finned friends.
The first decision to make is whether you are going to pick a freshwater or saltwater tank - saltwater is a little more demanding - before choosing your fish breeds.
It’s important to ensure that you get the right fish for your particular aquarium or your pets will not be happy and healthy.
If space (and money) is no object then there are some incredible huge tropical fish you can opt to put in your enormous tank.
Here are 10 of the biggest - and most colourful - tropical fish for freshwater aquariums.
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5. Banded Leporinus
The Banded Leporinus is a stunningly-patterned fish that can grow up to a foot in length. They enjoy living in small schools so if you are looking for a pack of fish to dart around your enormous tank then these are a good choice. They just love to jump, so make sure that lid is good and secure. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Clown Knifefish
Looking every inch like something from a horror movie, the elegant Clown Knifefish reaches up to a terrifying three feet. Mainly nocturnal (of course they are) they need plenty of hiding places in their huge aquarium home. Highly predatory, they can only share a tank with fish too big to fit in their gaping mouth - and even then it's a bit of a gamble. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Bichir
Primitive and eel-like, growing up to 24 inches, the Bichir is another fish as likely to give you nightmares as fill you with wonder. We think they are amazing though, with their feathery fins and armor-like scales. They are bottom dwellers but have the ability to breathe air so will regalarly pop up to the surface for a breather - meaning a tight lid is essential. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Giant Gourami
Reaching up to 28 inches, Giant Gouramis are gentle giants. They’re intelligent, long-lived, and can become attached to their keepers. With a face only a mother could love, they need large tanks and plenty of open swimming space. A naturally friendly creature, they can coexist with similarly-sized fish. | Canva/Getty Images