Black bruise on yellow cichlids

Question
My Yellow cichlid has a blackish bruise under its mouth. Is this a growth of some kind, or is she holding eggs in her mouth? My 4 ft tank has 2 yellow cichlids and 3 smaller undefined cichlids. In either case what is the best action to take?
Thanks
Lee

Answer
Hi Lee,
 If she were holding eggs, the lower jaw would clearly be distended and you might even see the eggs/babies inside of it.

  If it is just bruised, that could easily be the result of fighting, which is very common in cichlids.  If left alone, it will heal in a few days.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>