From garden ponds filled with Koi Carp to the humble goldfish bowl – the UK is a nation of fish lovers.
The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) say there are an incredible five million indoor fish tanks in Britain.
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.
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.
If you fancy trying your hand at breeding fish it’s best to opt for livebearing species - those that give birth to live young, or sprats.
Other species lay eggs which are then fertilised, but these are susceptible to being gobbled up by hungry adult fish.
Here are 10 of the most popular livebearing option.
5. Endler’s Livebearer
A close relative of the guppy, Endlers are smaller and vibrant. Peaceful and energetic, they thrive in planted aquariums and breed readily. They are tiny fish perfect for nano tanks and peaceful communities. | Canva/Getty Images
6. Mosquitofish
Often used for mosquito control, as they like nothing better than gobbling the pesky insect's larvae, mosquitofish are small and hardy. They’re not as colorful as guppies, but they breed just as prolifically. They aren't the best fit for a community tank though, as they can be aggressive toward other fishy friends. | Canva/Getty Images
7. Variatus Platy
A cousin of the common platy, this species features wild-type and vibrant color strains. Hardy and easygoing, variatus platies are great for aquarium novices and coexist well in peaceful tanks. Also known as Parrot Platies, they breed easily and often. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Least Killifish
One of the smallest livebearing fish, the least killifish is ideal for nano aquariums. Peaceful and shy, they prefer heavily planted tanks and produce very small fry - you'll need a keen eye to spot them. | Canva/Getty Images