Fish fans are being encouraged to carefully consider their choice of pet, it has emerged.

The British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Fund (BVA AWF) recently issued tips on buying and caring for the scaly creatures.

Called Ornamental Fish Keeping, the guide is packed with information on the many species of the creatures and their needs.

The publication encourages fish lovers to consider whether they have the time and money to care for those pets who live in controlled environments that can be tricky to maintain, such as salt-water tanks.

"It is vitally important to understand the needs of these fish and to maintain an environment in which they will flourish and remain healthy," said the BVA AWF's chairman Carl Padgett.

In addition to providing tips on how to care for the creatures, the guide reminds potential fish owners to buy their scaly friends from reputable breeders.

Meanwhile, research by the US' Centers for Disease Control has revealed that last year saw 85 people in the country catch food poisoning bug salmonella from African dwarf frogs, after they failed to wash their hands after touching the exotic animals.