IF purring isn't for you, then consider the equally calming white noise of the bubbling fish tank. The well-curated aquarium makes an aesthetically pleasing statement in any home: pretty, colorful, exotic. Tropical fish are not very expensive, an aquarium doesn't take up a lot of space, and, at the bottom of the tank, you can stage scenes from your favorite pirate movie.

FISH

PROS

IF the cable goes out, you can always watch the aquarium.

KIDS love to gaze at fish in fish tanks and can be entertained for minutes at a time.

YOU CAN WATCH THEM TO PRACTICE FOR "FISH FACE" SELFIES.

FISH TANKS HAVE TO BE CLEANED, AND THE WATER HAS TO BE MONITORED CAREFULLY— PH LEVEL, TEMPERATURE, AND SO ON. THIS TAKES WORK AND CAN BE MESSY.

CONS

FISH do have to be fed daily and are hard-pressed to remind you.

YOU can't really pet a fish, and they can't sit in your lap. (continued)

Illustrations: Getty Images