Weird Cichlid Behavior

Question
Hey David, thanks for your time. I have a 60 gallon tank with 7 African Cichlids. Most of them are young, under two inches. However, the largest fish in the tank (Might be a cobalt blue zebra) who is 5-6 inches has not eaten in 3 or 4 days. All he does is lay on the bottom in a corner and will often twitch or spasm. When he swims around, which is rare, he will always turn sideways like hes itching himself on the rocks and then go right back and lay down. This guy used to be the biggest eater but hasn't eaten in days. Besides this he doesn't look sick or anything. And when the smaller fish pick on him while laying down, he will just lay there and take it, another new behavior. I haven't really made any signifigant changes in the tank or water chemistry. I tried a 3rd of tank water change and filter clean but he is still acting like this. All of the other cichlids remain lively and healthy. Anything I can do to improve this guy? Thanks a lot!

Answer
Hi Maxwell:  Check out very carefully the mouth and throat of your cichlid... if it looks as though it is swollen then your cichlid may be a mouth brooder and she will be holding eggs in her mouth. This is typical of African cichlids and they do not eat during this time.  let me know... dave