Corals as pets all the rage in the UK

Smith grows his marine pets in his London home. He created a revolutionary coral farming technique that make it possible to enjoy a small piece of the tropics at home (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

'Coral is an incredible pet to own,' the marine biologist said. 'The growth in coral farms and farmers is similar to the boom in tropical fish in the 60's and 70's.' (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

'Except corals are just that little bit more spectacular in their appearance than some of the fish that people keep.' (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

Smith spent ten years to develop the technique for growing corals at home. In the past, he lived in Australia and in the Philippines, studying the marine world (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

Today, corals grow and breed in his home in London, and the scientist helps other coral enthusiasts around the world (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

The marine biologist grows more than 120 species of corals (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

Clayton Smith sells special kits to "coral farmers" for as little as £13 for one two inch piece of coral, but that piece given time will blossom. (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)

Coral farms require the care and attention of a bonsai tree. (All photos: Splash/All Over Press)