Here's why this is a misconception:
* Betta fish reproduce sexually: While females can give birth without a male present, they still need to have been previously exposed to a male to become pregnant.
* Internal fertilization: Males release sperm that fertilizes the eggs internally within the female's body. This fertilization can happen during a mating process or even if the male is simply present in the same tank as the female.
Therefore, while a male's presence is necessary for a female to become pregnant, it's not necessary for her to give birth.
It's important to remember that a female betta fish can hold sperm for months, making it possible for her to give birth to multiple batches of fry even after being separated from a male.