This is my betta fish, Herbert.

I bought Herbert from a pet store in the fall of 2011. He’s been a good companion fish ever since, swimming around in his aquarium and adding a touch of something alive to my apartment.

He is also a really old fish.

I’ve had a hard time finding definitive information on betta fish lifespan. Various sources on the Internet disagree with each other, but most say that a betta should live two to three years in captivity. Herbert was already an adult fish when I bought him, so he should about four by now. I’ve gotten to the point where I get up in the morning and check if my fish is alive. This fish just won’t die.

So congratulations, Herbert, and many happy returns.