Why do people own pet fishes?

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I kind of have always wondered why people so much like to keep fish in bowls and aquariums. They're very boring creatures, at least, most of them. Even the more interesting ones with the crazy colors and fins, and bulgy eyes probably get boring once you get used to how weird they look. I have one fish myself, an orangish male Betta fish. But he has become one of the family. Everyone has pretty much fed him at least once before now. I named him after the Italian male model Fabio and call him "The Sexiest Fish Alive." He's a friend of mine. But I know that it's not true that all people name their fish. Not all people think their fish have personalities. Not many people are lonely enough to be friends with a fish, I guess! I mean, it's nice to look at them, and watch them eat, but they're not incredibly fun. Even my boring dog is more fun, when I get him hyper it's a riot. You can't even really touch a fish. I guess it's relaxing to watch it swim around, but it's just that you don't really feel like there's any kind of bond going on. You can't even buy a fish a Christmas present. I mean, I'm getting everyone in the household a Christmas present. Even me! Even the dog! But the fish has his rocks, his food, and his little Buddha statue. What more could he possibly want? I'm sure he doesn't want a little brother or sister, because you know what Betta fish are famous for. Also, I do not want to breed them, either. So if fish can't really do much and they don't really become part of the family like pets do [except maybe the talking fish in the Cat In the Hat?] why do people have them? Why breed them? Why sell them?