The Tropheus species are a moderately deep bodied fish that seems to have a larger head in proportion to the body. The body narrows as it forms the tail and the caudal fin is fan shaped. They vary in size depending upon the species. The Tropheus sp. Black "Bemba/Pemba" is perhaps the smallest reaching about 4 to 4 3/4" (10 - 12 cm) in length while the Tropheus sp. "mpimbwe" may be the largest, reach up to about 6 ” (15 cm). They can live 10 years or more with proper care.

There are a number of geographic variations of Tropheus species, each with a different color patterning depending on the locale from which they originate. Color morphs can vary greatly. They can be solid colored and have a broad band or a large blotch or two of yellow or red across the mid section. They have various amounts of coloring on the head, fins, and upper back. They can also have a striped patterning on the body or they can have various other combinations. General descriptions of these species: