It is estimated that 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.
From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
And the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) say there are an incredible five million indoor fish tanks in Britain.
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.
One thing to consider is that some fish tend to live considerably longer lives than others - the humble goldfish can live for over 30 years, while the aggressive Betta often won’t reach its third birthday.
Here’s how long 25 of the most popular freshwater tropical fish live for.
13. Swordtail
Available in a wide range of colours, the Swordtail can be differentiated from their close cousins the Platy by the distinctive tail from which they get their name. Expect these fish to live for 3-5 years. | Canva/Getty Images
14. Rosy Barb
Found in the rivers of Afghanistan and Bangladesh, the Rosy Barb is another fish that tends to live for around 5 years in captivity. | Canva/Getty Images
15. Zebra Danio
Native to South Asia, the Zebra Danio is more commonly called the Zebra Fish - on account of its distinctive stripes. They live for around 5 years on average. | Canva/Getty Images
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16. Goldfish
The humble goldfish can live for a long time if looked after properly (NOT in a tiny bowl). They tend to live for at least 10 years, but it's not unusual for them to live for as long as 30. | Canva/Getty Images