Is My fish sick or Pregnant?

Question
Hi, I have a male and female oscars (bought as a breeding pair) the female's belly is really swollen and she is sulking on the bottom and not eating. Other then that - which i'm sure is a preety good sign that she is pregnant - my brother came over the other day and filled in the hole she dug. could this have upset her? also she has blister like bubbles on her belly, would you know weather that would be realted to the abouve or somthing different?
I look forward to hearing form you
Kind regards
Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,
  Oscars don't get pregnant as such; they lay eggs on the bottom of the tank.  So, your female could be full of eggs ready to lay but she can't be pregnant.

  Filling in the hole will not stop a pair of fish intent on breeding.  If they want to, they can rapidly dig another.  Filling it in might discourage the fish for a day or two, but that is all.   

  Blister-like-bubbles on her belly does not sound good at all... that isn't normal but I don't know what would be causing that.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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