From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl (although goldfish are far happier living in a larger tank) – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
There are an remarkable five million indoor fish tanks in the UK alone, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA).
That’s about 10 per cent of British households – making fish the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
It’s a fascinating hobby, particularly for youngsters, and there are few more relaxing activities than watching fish slowly swim around their home.
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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 that will happily live in the corner of your living room.
The first decision to make is whether you are going to pick a freshwater or saltwater tank - saltwater is a little more demanding to maintain but the species of fish make it more than worthwhile if you want to recreate a colourful marine reef in your home.
Here are 12 of the best species of fish that should top your list if you are setting up your first saltwater tank.
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5. Flame Angelfish
All Angelfish are stunning but perhaps none are quite as striking as the Flame Angelfish with their red-orange body with black and blue rear. They can be aggressive so you need to be careful when choosing their tank-buddies. They need live rock (old coral colonized by invertebrates, corals, sponges, and bacteria) to graze on. | AFP via Getty Images
6. Longnose Hawkfish
You certainly won't confuse the Longnose Hawkfish with any other fish, thanks to its distinctive red-and-white checkered pattern and an elongated snout. They tend to spend most of their day chilling on coral or rocks but can't share a tank with small fish, which they consider to be a tasty snack. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Banggai Cardinalfish
Another great choice for beginners is the Banggai Cardinalfish - a striking black-and-white striped fish with elegant fins that is a peaceful and hardy addition to aquariums. They are slow moving and won't bother any of their tankmates, although are nocturnal so like an aquarium with subdued lighting. They like being kept with a group of fellow-Cardinalfish who they will form a family group with. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Six-Line Wrasse
The energetic, striped Six-Line (count them!) Wrasse is a handy fish to have around - as it controls pests like bristle worms. It’s reef-safe but can be semi-aggressive. You'll need to be sure to provide live rock and hiding spaces to match their natural behavior. | Canva/Getty Images