Birthing Complications?

[otto-]

First off, new to the forums and apistos, so Hello All!!

My largest female has taken on a very bright yellow color and a distended belly, something I understand should normally be a cause for celebration. Unfortunatly, there is no courting going on. She lays around listless with labored breathing. After researching "eggbound" in this forum I found out there is really no such thing. My newly acquired male only seems to have interest in picking on her. Water quality is good, and no other fish are in distress.
Any Ideas?

 

[aquaticclarity]

Welcome to the forum.

Can you give a little more background on the fish and tank in question...

type of fish
water chemistry/quality
maintenance routine
how long you've had the fish
tank mates
diet

These things will help in getting to the possible cause(s) and hopefully a solution.

Jeff

 

[Mike Wise]

She might not be filled with eggs, but full of parasitic worms. What do the feces look like?

 

[otto-]

Well thanks for the responses, but its too late.

As to the tank, its a 40 breeder that has been up and running now for a while. Tankmates include cardinal tetras, SAEs, a couple rams, otos, cherry shrimp, and guppies. Well planted, though they're all still small for the time being.
As of this evening ph is 6.8, nitrates 5 ppm, ammonia 0.
She and a "sister" were the first apistos (cacatuoides by the way) that I picked up, over a month ago. Later that week I found another female. I finally gave up on finding a male and ordered a pair from Dave. He actually sent me a pair of males when I was expecting a male/female pair, but that was fine. Possible something came in with those from Dave, but they're both looking very healthy, except for some fin damage on the "weaker" of the two from the alpha. I may have to move him to another tank.
Can't say as I've observed anything odd in the fecal department in the tank. However, one other female has a little plumpness to the belly as well, that she always has had. Now I'm thinking I better pull her and treat for worms.