DEMAND for clownfish is expected to rise as thousands of North-East children watch the Disney film Finding Nemo this half term.

But the RSPCA has issued warnings to discourage people from buying tropical fish on a whim, as they are difficult to care for.

One of the region's specialist marine fish shops, Chilton Aquatics, in County Durham, said that interest in clownfish had risen since the film's opening.

The firm said, however, that the cost of buying equipment for the tropical fish had put people off.

Manager Nicola Roe said: "There have been a lot of people coming in and looking at the clownfish and saying 'oh look, there's Nemo'.

"I thought the film might boost sales but I have not sold many more.

"Perhaps once it has been out a bit longer, people might show more of an interest.

"But anyone buying the fish would have to buy all the equipment to put it in, which I think will put a lot of people off.

"You cannot just take a clownfish home and put it in a bowl like a goldfish because it would be dead within days."

The Disney film has boosted sales of the orange and white fish by up to 60 per cent, but the RSPCA is concerned that people are buying them without the proper equipment needed.

The RSPCA said proper facilities for the fish cost about £500, but that some pet shops were selling a "Nemo kit" for £100, which included a tank that was too small.

The RSPCA has also warned people they should not "free" their pet fish by flushing them down toilets, simulating a scene in the film, as it could lead to a painful and slow death for them in drains.