Hissing Cockroaches
Most cockroaches do not hiss like Madagascar Cockroaches. Hissing became popular from Hollywoods use of the Madagascar cocroach.

Roach Pet Popularity
Fear factor, is one factor, that made the Madagascar Cocroach popular. In one of the challenges, participants were required to eat live hissing Madagascar cockroaches. As it turns out, the Madagascar cockroach is a favorite for Hollywood because of their loud hissing sound. Also, they are quite large for a cocroaches (2-3 inches in length).

Cockroach Pets
Some people actually like having the Madagascar Cocroach as a pet. They do not bite and hide when disturbed. Obviously, these pet owners are a little peculiar.

These pets are hardy and do not die easily without food. They are slow moving and docile. They tickle your skin when you let them crawl on you.