Mouth Stuck Open

[HookedOnFish_MI]

I noticed yesterday that one of my Cacatuoides’ mouth seems to be stuck open. She seems as active as usual, and I see her eating a few flakes today (New Life Spectrum Optimum). Any idea what could have caused this, and if it’s treatable? I have her in a 10 gallon with another female, 3 neons and 2 Ottos. I’ve had the apistos for about a week and a half and using the 10 gallon temporarily until they are a little larger to put with my 2 males in a 75.

 

[Mike Wise]

She probably tried to mouth a piece of gravel that was too large. This is one reason why sand is recommended as a substrate for apistos. There is nothing you can do for her except hope she can unlock the jaw bones. Any assistance from you will almost certainly break her jaw. If she starts wasting away, which commonly happens, then it would be best to euthanize her.

 

[MacZ]

Sadly, I have to agree with Mike. Had a similar case with Labidochromis once and just last year with a cardinal tetra. The cichlid hat to be put down, the tetra managed to unlock the jaw after a few hours.

 

[HookedOnFish_MI]

Sadly, I have to agree with Mike. Had a similar case with Labidochromis once and just last year with a cardinal tetra. The cichlid hat to be put down, the tetra managed to unlock the jaw after a few hours.

Thank you both for the replies. Hopefully it’s a good sign that I have seen her able to close her jaws a few times, but only for a brief moment. I will swap out the gravel for sand, like I did with my 75.