As children many of us will have kept a goldfish in a bowl, a little ornamental bridge and maybe a plastic plant for decoration.
But those days are long gone – and now more and more are creating magical underwater worlds of their own.
The aquarium trade is big business, but as with keeping all pets, it’s always best to speak to someone who knows what they’re talking about.
Setting up a tank in your home can be an expensive business if you get it wrong. But get it right and you can be treated to a wonderful living work of art – as long as you look after it.
That’s where someone like Sam Crozier comes in, aquatic expert at independently owned Ladysmith Pets in Ballymena.
There are plenty of similar stores across Northern Ireland who can provide all you need to know before you dive in.
Which fish can live together? How not to serve lunch on a plate? All you need to know to provide an eco-system where you can sit back and enjoy the colourful spectacle is available.
And, yes, fish do have personalities.