Blue Lips

[The Morning]

One of my favorite fish in my tank. I have had him for 2 years and was sold as a PSEUDOTROPHEUS WILLIAMSI BLUE LIPS MALE
My question is....the photos I have seen online are of an orange gold body fish without all of the black markings on the side. The fish is currently 5-6 inches long. Is it still carrying juvenile markings or is something else going on?

 

[A201]

I grew out a Williamsi Blue Lips male several years ago. When I traded him, he was about 5 inches long, gold body and of course blue lips. He had the same general shape of your pictured Blue Lips, but was not nearly as colorful. I don't remember mine having spots.
I would have kept my Blue Lips if he looked like your fish.
IMO, I think your Blue Lips is a pure bred, just a better looking color varient. Quite a trophy, hold on to that one.

 

[The Morning]

Just posting an updated photo of this guy.

 

[Deadeye]

That’s a really nice one!