Is my female beta pregnant?

Question
Hello, I have a female beta whose tummy is very distended and she has a little white protrusion on the underside of her belly.  I think this means she is ready to have eggs, but I don't have a boy fish so I am not sure what the process is now.  Will she lay eggs without a boy fish around?  I just want to be sure she's okay.

Answer
Hello Leslie,
No, your fish is not pregnant, she is ill. Females always carry eggs, they must have a male to "squeeze" the eggs out. When is the last time you cleaned out her tank? I recommend buying some remedy all cure, such a lifeguard, and begin treating right away. Make sure her water is warm as it should be - bettas are tropical fish - somewhere between 78-82 degrees F. And keep her tank clean, the best thing for any sick fish is clean, fresh, dechlorinated water.