I’m a straightforward kind of guy. My tastes are simple. I like things that are cheap and easy. [Insert your own misogynist joke here.] That’s why, of all the pets that my family members have brought home, Lily the beta fish is my favorite.

Beta fish are cheap, both to acquire and to care for. My eight year old son “won” Lily at a carnival by throwing a ping pong ball into a glass bowl. Even with the requisite bowl, starter kit, fish food, and “Beware of Jaws” sign, we got her home for a very small investment. The $30 or so we spent on her accoutrement wouldn’t even cover the first round of shots for a dog or a cat. And the little container of food that we bought for four dollars several months ago is still half full.

Like all pets that have found their way into my home, I take care of Lily. But caring for a beta fish is not much of a commitment. She eats two to three times a day. Feeding her takes less than one minute. Unlike most underwater pets, beta fish don’t need an aerator. Her tank is completely self-contained and doesn’t require electricity. Unlike the cat, her container needs cleaning only every two weeks or so. Unlike the dog, Lilly can go for days with little to no attention (other than the aforementioned feeding) without a complaint. She has never once made a mess on the floor or awoken me in the middle of the night.

Beta fish make great pets for those who don’t think they want a pet or for children who are still learning to be responsible enough to care for a pet of their own. Betas combine practicality and aesthetics in one gilled package. In addition to the highly coveted cheap and easy factor, betas are also absolutely beautiful creatures that are a delight to watch.