Hmmm... interesting. Most people keep fish in their living area.
I don't because I am selfish when it comes to my fish. I like the exclusivity of my fishroom, and the fact that I control virtually everything that goes on in and around my tanks. I've never really honestly kept fish to show them off, though I don't mind people admiring my pets. Further, i simply couldn't concentrate on life in general if there were tanks in my face.
Further, my kids and their friends would drive me nuts if they were able to be around my tanks. Its not that i dont trust them, because I do, but my valued animals out in the open, within arms reach of guests... gasp.
I guess i'm the lone strange one on this board. im ok with that.
A fish house would be a dream.