Help with Cichlid, mouth constantly open

[Shanezoid]

Hi, I’ve had this cichlid for a few months now but I’ve realised that its mouth is constantly wide open and I’m not sure why. We are relatively new to cichlids so I’m not sure if this is normal or if it has lock jaw or some kind of infection. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SomeoneFISHy]

I'm not an expert, so I don't know sadly, it does seem to be a problem though. I'd recommend posting a sick form/emergency form. Even if it proves to be nothing, better safe than sorry!

 

[Shanezoid]

I'm not an expert, so I don't know sadly, it does seem to be a problem though. I'd recommend posting a sick form/emergency form. Even if it proves to be nothing, better safe than sorry!

How do I post a sick form

 

[Coradee]

Welcome to Fishlore

How do I post a sick form

Sorry you have an issue with your fish, copy the template from this, then paste it with your answers here in this thread Fish Emergency Template | Freshwater Fish Disease and Fish Health Forum | 376562

 

[A201]

Does the Mbuna still eat? Did you witness the pictured Cichlid engaged in a lip lock battle with a tankmate?
Really nothing can be done about a fish's dislocated mouth & jaw.
It's possible things will heal on its own.

 

[Shanezoid]

Does the Mbuna still eat? Did you witness the pictured Cichlid engaged in a lip lock battle with a tankmate?
Really nothing can be done about a fish's dislocated mouth & jaw.
It's possible things will heal on its own.

Nope I haven’t seen locking lips with any other fish in person but I know it was chased/bullied by another fish so either it’s bumped into something to cause the locked jaw or as you said it could’ve had a fight with another fish. I’ve seen some things on the internet where peopel ‘unlock’ the fishes jaw by forcing the fish’s mouth closed gently. Is this something I can do myself? Thanks for the help

 

[A201]

That's your call. Really nothing to lose.
I also keep Africans. Lip lock battles & damaged mouths are relatively common. Never had a fish w/ dislocated jaw before.