sick african cichlid

Question
I have a 55 gallon tank with 12 african cichlids.  We had 10 for about a month and recently added two more (plus 6 algae eaters).  One of the cichlids has not been acting right since we added the new fish.  He quit eating a few days ago and is swollen under his mouth.  Any ideas?

Answer
Pethouse,

Congratulations on your fish.  I hope that your tank is older than 1 month as it takes longer than a month for it to fully cycle.

Here is a great article on the nitrogen cycle:  http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=376

It sounds to me like your fish has babies.  Many african cichlids are mouth brooders.  This means the mom holds the eggs in her mouth to protect them while they incubate.

During this time mom will eat virtually nothing and her buccal pouch will become swollen as that is where the eggs are kept.

Stop by the FishGeeks cichlid forum at http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=11 for more information on cichlids.

Sean
Owner - FishGeeks.com