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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1. Mandarinfish
Native to the Pacific Ocean, the Mandarinfish (or Mandarin Goby) are small, brilliantly colored fish with incredible psychedelic patterns. Peaceful and friendly fish, they can be challenging to care for due to their specialized diet - they love to eat Copepod crustaceans. | Canva/Getty Images
2. Blue Tang
Also known at the Regal Tang, the Blue Tang is certainly a royal-looking fish thanks to its stunning blue body and yellow tail. You'll need a large aquarium to house these fish because they are very active swimmers. They will get on with other fish, although can be territorial when it comes to other Tangs. Nemo's best pal Dory is a Blue Tang. Just keep swimming! | AFP via Getty Images
3. Yellow Tang
The Blue Tang's close cousin the Yellow Tang is also a popular choice for those with larger tanks - with their remarkable bright yellow colouration. They are largely peaceful herbivores that thrive on a diet rich in marine algae. Due to their popularity, they are often captive-bred, making them a more sustainable choice for hobbyists. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Clownfish
Clownfish are probably the world's most popular fish for saltwater aquariasts - partly due to it being the species of the hero in the animated film 'Finding Nemo'. Instantly recognisable, they are the perfect fish for beginners - hardy, and easy to care for. As fans of 'Finding Nemo' will know they often form symbiotic relationships with sea anemones. They are sociable wee fish and lover living with others in a tank with plenty of hidey-holes. | Getty Images