It was previously considered to consist of two subspecies, the common C. g. guntheri ranges from Liberia to Equatorial Guinea and Niger, and the critically endangered C. g. loennbergi which was thought to be restricted to Lake Barombi-ba-Kotto, a small crater lake in Cameroon but these subspecies are not supported by subsequent authorities.

Eggs are laid on a flat open surface and taken in the parents' mouth.

[2] Günther's mouthbrooder is restricted to lowland environments where it can be found in waters in coastal floodplains, savannahs and forests, showing a preference for slow or still waters with submerged tree roots and fallen branches to provide cover.

[4] Other sexual differences are that first ray in the pectoral fin in males is more extended when compared to those of females.

Both sexes are a generally tan color, but the female has a pink belly and a metallic white stripe on the dorsal fin.