Red Empress cichlid died

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a 5 foot tank of african cichlids, mostly malawi (electric yellow/mpanga/lombardoi) also a pair of red forest jewels, 3 red empress, a bala shark and 3 little bristlenose.  My question concerns my Red Empress female, who died suddenly tonight.  I had noticed yesterday and today she was not eating, and was not as active as she usually is.  The Red Empress male has been courting her with dedication for 2-3 weeks, I was hoping optimistically that perhaps she was just holding although she didn't look it.  One minute she was sitting near the surface of the water, looking fairly calm although inactive, the next time I walked past she was on the bottom upsidedown, stone dead.  I did a 50% water change nearly a week ago, due to nitrates being high - about 50-60, had been away for a week and a friend overfed them.  Water chem is Temp -26/27 deg celcius PH: 7.8/8  Ammonia/Nitrites: 0ppm  Current Nitrates:approx 40 (still a little on the high side I know, but it's been between 30-40 as standard for some months now and all fish have been fine, the electric yellows and red forest jewels have been/are breeding)  Optimistically I'd love to think that maybe she was eggbound, therefore not contagious! but the bit that concerns me is looking at the body, there appears to be distinct redness on the gill covers and under the chin.  I never noticed this when she was in the tank, nor can I see it on any of the other fish. I've only noticed it after she died.  Is this something to be concerned about do you think?  Is there anything I can do besides wait and see to ensure the welfare of the other fish?  Thanks, Kara

ANSWER: Hi Kara,
The Red Empress grows to about 10 inches in length, and would need a 100 gallon tank.  When we do not have the space for fish, we should never buy them until we can give them a home they will be comfortable in.  We take them out of theirs to put into ours, the least we can do is make their home as comfortable as possible.
Bala Sharks should not be mixed with african cichlids, and they too need very big tanks of at least 150 gallons or more.
Jewels should also not be mixed with African Cichlids.
One male red empress should have three females.  What happened is that the little female was with fry.  They keep the fry in their mouth for 21-26 days.  She should have been removed to another cycled tank so she could be at peace, and not be hassled by the male.  She died a sad death.  Please read up on fish before putting them into your tank.  Always ask the pet store fish manager the name of the fish you want to buy whether it be scienific, or common.  Never buy fish you know nothing about, and provide a good home for all fish you buy.  When buying fish, you must read up on the habitat they live in, the PH they should be it, and their character.  Not all fish get along, not all fish live in the same habitat, and not all fish need the same PH.
If you go with African Cichlids, make sure you change your decor every month, and every time you buy a new fish to put into your tank.  These fish are very aggressive, and territorial.  Do not let them get too comfortable with their territories.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Lynda, you seem to be under the impression I have a small tank.  My 5 foot long tank is certainly over 100 gallons, and is quite sufficient for my red empress. (incidentally I had 1 male and 2 females, unfortunately last week one of the "females" began to display evidence of being male which explains the solitary female) You appear also to have misunderstood the information provided in my question - the red empress was NOT with fry, and she did not die a sad death from being hassled by the male! - I have watched them for many hours and although he always danced and displayed for her, he rarely chased her and certainly never touched her, and she had never bred to date.  My concern was as to whether it was possible some kind of disease was to blame that may infect my other fish.  I do in actual fact have a nursery tank where holding females are removed to for safety.  

The Bala Shark I am aware needs a large home, for the moment, my tank is large enough for him, and despite the rockery on the bottom, there is a lot of free swimming space.  When he eventually gets too big, as I am well aware he will, I will find him a new home - this has all been thought of in advance.  The shark was recommended by the manager of my LFS, and gets on perfectly fine with the cichlids.  I am aware the jewel cichlids are slightly out of place, but again, they get on quite well, and being captive bred fish are used to the ph they are kept in. Ultimately they will not be permanent residents of the tank.

I pride myself on looking after my fish well, keeping their environment clean and my fish happy, which until my one loss yesterday they all were.  I have read extensively on the requirements of each of the fish and I resent your condescending critisism that I am not providing an adequate environment for my fish.  I wrote in with my question for some helpful feedback as to possible diseases that may have caused the death of the empress.  I did NOT write in to be criticised and falsely accused of housing my fish in cruel circumstances!!  Next time I suggest you read the information given more carefully, and don't make assumptions.  Your so called expert advice was sorely lacking.
Kara

Answer
I'm sorry you have taken this the wrong way.  A five foot tank may be only 50 gallons, I cannot guess at the amount of gallons you have.  I am here to write on the well being of fish, therefore will advise on fish that go together, and fish that don't.  I cannot guess on what you have in your tank or the size.  My main concern are the fish, and nothing else.  For the record, I still think that the little red empress had eggs in her mouth, and no there is no danger for your other fish.
Lynda