pregnant beta fish

Question
My female beta fish's mid section is bulging on both sides.  She has never been with a male.  Is the bulge filled with eggs and if so what can I do to help her.  She is not eating and seems very lethargic.

Answer
Hi Eleanor,
 Bettas are external fertilizers so she never will "be with a male", i.e., she is not capable of getting pregnant as such.  It could be that she is full of eggs and waiting for a male to spawn with.  Male bettas build a bubble nest and tend the eggs in it.   

  Are you sure that you have a female betta?  Almost all the bettas sold in stores are males.  Females are smaller and much less colorful (which is why they are seldom sold). Even those sold as female bettas are often just young males.  

  If it isn't a female (and even if it is), the bulging could be due to disease such as an intenstinal blockage.  Consider trying to feed your fish with thawed frozen peas.  That sometimes helps with this sort of thing.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>