pregnant betta

Question
My female betta is pregnant.  Do I need to separate her from the male or leave them together.  My tank is a 46 galllon aquarium with rock, waterfalls, with 2 aquatic turtles, neon fish, algae eater (6"), with aqua clear filter,  Change water once a month, spring water, 25 gallons replaced with water change..

Answer
Hi Michelle;

Female bettas don't really get "pregnant", but they do grow eggs inside them. The eggs are fertilized by the male as they are laid, up to 400 of them. In order for her to lay the eggs she has to stay with the male. The male makes a floating bubble nest where he deposits the eggs and he cares for the eggs and babies after they hatch. He chases the female and all other fish away. He really can't be successful in raising babies in a community tank though. If you want baby bettas, the male needs to be alone with his nest until the babies are free-swimming and then you move him out so the babies can grow. You separate out each of the little males as they mature and make themselves known. Here is a web page about their unique breeding habits;

http://mermaiden.net/Betta/breeding_tips.php

I just want to mention that your turtles are going to eat all your fish eventually. Fish are their favorite food. Just making sure you are aware....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins