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 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 - before choosing your fish breeds.
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 conversely the beautiful Betta often won’t reach its third birthday.
Here’s how long 12 of the most popular freshwater tropical fish live for.
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1. Neon Tetra
Probably the world's most popular tropical fish, the tiny Neon Tetra originally comes from backwater streams in the Amazon basin in South America. You can expect them to live for at least 5 years. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Guppy
Also known as the Millionfish or Rainbow fish and known for their large multi-coloured tails, the Guppy originally comes from northeast South America. They live for 3-5 years. | Canva/Getty Images
3. Angelfish
There are three different species of Angelfish, all of which originate from the Amazon and Orinoco Basins of South America. All have similarly long lifespans - living for at least 10 years if cared for properly. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Betta
Also known as the Siamese Fighting Fish, the Betta Fish have been highly-prized creatures for well over a century due to their colourful and ornate flowing fins. They live from 2-4 years. | Canva/Getty Images