So, I see we have some fishphobes here.
Fish count, but not as pets? So you mean they count from one to ten kind of thing? Otherwise, your statement is contradictory.
Fish count as pets. I should know, I have them as pets. Ask any fish, ask any pet shop owner if fish are pets, a valid entity within the pet world and within pet shops.
I have them in my home, I look at them, they look at me, the swim to the top of the tank for food in the morning, I feed them, and on and on (although not too many more “on and ons”)
What do you think they are, scented candles?