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.
Read more: Dog Intelligence 2026: Here are the 22 dogs with the highest and lowest IQs - from the dumb Beagle to the smart Labrador
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.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.
9. Royal Gramma
This peaceful, vibrant purple-and-yellow fish thrives in reef aquariums. It prefers caves and crevices for hiding and gets along well with other non-aggressive tank mates. This is one fish that will brighten up any salt water aquarium. | Canva/Getty Images
10. Green Chromis
Green Chromis are small, schooling fish with a shimmering green-blue coloration that offer flashes of colour as they swim around the aquarium. They are peaceful, making them excellent community fish. They do best in groups and require ample swimming space. Hardy and easy to feed, they adapt well to various tank conditions and are often kept in reef setups due to their gentle nature. These are super-chilled finned friends. | Canva/Getty Images
11. Damselfish
There are damselfish that come in pretty much every colour of the rainbow and many are popular pets thanks to their relatively small size - even the largest species only reach about 30cm in length. Their diets include small crustaceans, plankton, and algae. | Canva/Getty Images
12. Copperbanded Butterflyfish
A delicate and pretty fish with an adorable elongated snout, the Copperbanded (or Copperband) Butterflyfish is a real favorite for aquarists. However, it can be difficult to feed, as it often prefers live foods. It is peaceful and can help control aiptasia (pest anemones), but it requires a mature, well-maintained tank to thrive. | Canva/Getty Images