Bimac Hogfish look pregnant or something else?

[ASIN28]

Hey all picked up this awesome bimac hogfish about 2-3 weeks ago and just noticing the belly looking almost as if it’s pregnant that I’ve never noticed before? Could it be that or maybe something else is going on?
Thanks

 

[KrisReef]

Constipated or maybe egg bound?

People recommend mysis for constipation.

 

[threebuoys]

Perhaps just stuffed herself with food? I don't have this species, but some I have will noticeably gorge. Usually diminishes in a few hours in that case.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hey all picked up this awesome bimac hogfish about 2-3 weeks ago and just noticing the belly looking almost as if it’s pregnant that I’ve never noticed before? Could it be that or maybe something else is going on?
Thanks

Interestingly - I ran a Google image search and I see a number of images of fish in similar condition, including one on Bob Fenner's page. I would withhold food for a day or two and see if the swelling reduces. Frozen brine shrimp is a good purgative for constipation (but not a good diet for fish long term).

Jay