Pregnant cichlid

Question
Hi Ron,

I have 10 cichlids in my 55 gal tank, three of which are peacocks. All of the fish are looking great, except about 5 days ago the most brightly colored peacock stopped eating, began hiding in a rock, and has slowly developed a bulge. It has also noticeably lost color. I've read some other related questions to the one I'm asking so I'm kind of worried the fish is unwell. The bulge doesn't seem to be in the mouth but it is further back right behind the gills in the belly. It continues to open and close its mouth as well. I wasn't sure if any of my peacocks were female, and I definitely didn't think the brightest colored one was female. Do the males sometimes hold the babies in their mouth?

I imagine it could be "pregnant" or sick, but I've only had cichlids for 5 months and I haven't bred fish, so I really don't know what to think. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Joe,
 Unfortunately it isn't pregnant; it is most likely quite sick, with some sort of intestinal problem.  Such things are very hard to treat.  I have not tried it, but others suggest treating with Epsom salts.  You might search the web to see what you can find out about that.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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