mouthbrooding or illness?

[unmphysics]

Ive been trying to search online for a pic of a red zebra (Ps. esterae) while she is mouthbrooding. Cant seem to find one. As for my question, my lone esterae female stopped eating a couple days ago and is now hiding in caves all the time. She used to be the dominate fish in my 29gallon tank. When I get close to the glass to investigate, i notice she has a new bulge under her mouth. Its hard to describe, but ill try. Its located under her jaw..about the location i would imagine a goiter on a fish. Its a little translucent and not too too big...yet.

Anyone seen an esterae brood before? and if so, is this what is going on with my girl? If its not brooding, any suggestions as to how I need to treat this apparent illness?

Thanks
-jason

EDIT:
-and yes i did read the topic about breeding (about 4 topics ago) , but i figure i should ask in a new topic so i get a quick response..hehe...and whenever i get a response, feel free to move my post CM to the other topic

 

[freshmike]

Well if you have a male and it is actually possible for her to reproduce then, yes I would definately say she is brooding......look up some pics of brooding cichlids and compare the pics to your fish and you should get your answer!!!!

 

[fam1197]

Definetly sounds like she is brooding, if she is she won't eat and will stay confined in the rocks where she can't be picked on by the other tankmates.