Have you seen the latest craze sitting on your office mate's desk? People are getting and giving vases filled with water, a plant and a fish.

They look pretty cool, but are a little trickier than you might think.

Here's what you'll need:

A vase with a fairly wide middle and a fluted neck, decorative glass beads/pebbles.

A plant (peace lilies and dieffenbachia or dumb cane works well). Any plant with white roots will grow well in water.

A betta/Siamese fighting fish.

Bettas are unlike other fish, in that they breathe air. They have both gills and a labyrinth. They must be able to get to the surface to gulp air or they will drown.

The greatest misconception of the "peace lily bowl" is that it's self-sufficient. It's not. You will still need to feed your fish every other day and change the water once a week. You must also make certain there is enough water surface for the fish to get up to breathe.

As the fish eliminates waste it will feed the plant, but the plant also needs ideal growing conditions if it is to supply oxygen for the fish to breathe inside the vase.

The vase should be kept in bright, indirect sunshine.

If you are the kind of person who just can't keep house plants alive, then chances are your fish and plant will both suffer. On the other hand, if you are willing to provide a spot where the plant will flourish and you're able to feed the fish and clean the water, then this is a pet/plant for you.

Buy a small plant for under a dollar at most warehouse stores. Rinse the potting soil away from the roots, and soak it in a bowl for a while to remove any cling-ons.

Throw the glass gravel in the vase. Dechlorinate the water (ask at a pet store), and you're ready for the fish and plant.

If the plant looks like it will drop all the way into the vase, try cutting the top off an appropriate sized drinking water bottle. Place the roots through the neck of the water bottle and stick it in the vase. It will be almost invisible and will hold the plant upright. Make sure the roots touch the water.

Good luck, and take good care of that fish -- they have feelings, too.