[1][2] This genus includes six formally described species, some with a number local variants of uncertain taxonomic status.

[3] These ray-finned fish are smallish to mid-sized (about 7–15 centimetres or 2.8–5.9 inches) and have a yellowish background colour with black lengthwise stripes or a checkerboard pattern.

There are currently 6 formally described species in this genus: The relationships and systematics of Julidochromis are hard to resolve with certainty.

[3] Julidochromis species are secretive biparental substrate spawners, retreating to caves or rock crevices.

After spawning, both parents tend the eggs by mouthing them to rid of algae and fanning them to increase oxygen flow.

As noted above, hybridisation with Chalinochromis and/or Telmatochromis is suspected, and it is common enough in Lamprologini[3] to better avoid keeping more than one species of this tribe per aquarium.

The tank should be decorated with rocks to form caves and passageways as shelter; like many other Rift Valley cichlids they tend to be territorial and somewhat aggressive.