From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl (although goldfish need more space to thrive) – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) there are an incredible five million indoor fish tanks in Britain.
Around 10 per cent of British households own fish – making them the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
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.
Schooling fish are particularly popular – fish that are only happy in a group of the same species, travelling around your tank in colourful packs.
As a general rule you should make sure to have at least six of these fish in your tank at any one time – and be aware that some species thrive when there’s a particular proportion of males to females (if there’s any doubt ask an expert at your local pet shop).
So, here are 15 of the best species of schooling fish for aquarists (the official name for people who maintain aquariums).
5. Zebra Danio
When it comes to aquarium fish, few are as hardy and easy to care for as the Zebra Danio, also known as the Zebra Fish. Another small schooling fish, they'll naturally form a tightly-packed shoal as soon as you introduce them to your tank. These fish will eat pretty much anything so that's one less thing to worry about. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Harlequin Rasbora
The colourful Harlequin Rasbora is a native of Southeast Asia is a small fish that will form a dazzling school in your aquarium. Get up to 10 of them - they get on well with everyone and are happy to just eat basic fish flakes. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Rummynose Tetra
When it comes to schooling fish it's really hard to beat a Tetra. The Rummynose Tetra, from South America, is a case in point - flashing silver as they swim around your tank. The eye-catching red mark on their head makes them an attractive resident. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Cherry Barb
Not all Cherry Barbs live up to their name - only the male is deep cherry red, compared to the female's browny red colour. They are a classic example of a schooling fish that require a particular ration of males to females - one boy fish to every two girl fish is perfect. They are very easy to care for. | Canva/Getty Images