Cichlid Mouth Problem

Question
One of my cichlids is having a problem with its mouth and is becoming badly pinched. His mouth looks as if he has a severe case of lock jaw. Do you know anything that might be affecting this trait or is it just something that occurs in some cichlids. What should I do I dont want him to die while im at work or asleep and rot in the tank without me finding him.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Will,
  Is his jaw locked in the "extended" position?  If this has happened relatively recently, it is possible to correct.  Think of the jaw bones as a kind of ratchet system.  Basically, if they get overextended they get locked.  The only solution is to GENTLY extend them a little more so they unlock and then have them fold back into their natural position.  This must be done soon after the initial "locking" because after a while, (weeks or so) the bones seem to fuse in the new position and you can't fix it.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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