what happened to this fish? :(
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h83/am...
Answers:
Was this a sudden change in the shape? It looks as though the jaw as injured/dislocated. You fish may have tried to eat something too large or may have been picking a fight with a tankmate.
If this was more gradual, I would suspect a problem with water quality/calcium availability. These fish are picivores, so if you're feeding primarily pellets, he may not be getting enough calcium in the diet for good bone strength. The same may be true if the water you use is soft, or too low of a pH. Also be careful of general water quality as too much waste can lower the pH level.
My first guess, and this is not my strong point, that's either a tumor, or a fluke lodged in there. Will pass this around.
JV
Is the fish still alive in the second picture. If so it looks as though it hurt its jaw. Lock jaw on fish is a possibility. Since it is hurt and most likely having a hard time eating the whitish discoloration is due to the fish being stressed and losing its slime coat. Like JV said im not 100% on this one but thats my best guess.
its a fungus. when water temperature is not right for the fish, fungus forms. you should separate the fish from other fish because its contagious. its usually a bad sign. you should put the fish on the separate tank and look for what temperature it should be in. adjust it and put medication. after the fungus disappears, put it in with a group.
I'm with Jon, it could be a tumor, but could also be a injury to the upper jaw causing it to sag.
MM
pollution?
