This species is restricted to a relatively small part of south western Lake Tanganyika, with an extent of occurrence of 576–2,381 km² and an area of occupancy of 16–1,528 km². It is unclear whether collection for the aquarium trade is causing a decline in the population, and monitoring is required. If collection is a significant threat and causing a decline, then it could be said to occur in fewer than 10 locations given the size of its distribution, and in this case it would qualify as Vulnerable. However, if it is stable, then it would qualify as Least Concern. Given this uncertainty, Near Threatened is selected as an appropriate category.

Julidochromis dickefeldi is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it occurs in the south western part of the lake, north of Nsumbu National Park in Zambia (Maréchal and Poll 1991).

It is generally not a common species, though is more common than Julidochromis ornatus. At Muzi, this species is fairly common.

It is found on rocks and rubble, often on sandstone slabs along sand beaches. The centre of the territory is a crack or fissure in the rock. It can at depths of 35 m, perhaps more. It is a very sedentary and territorial species. Mainly feeds upon crustaceans which are picked from rocks and very occasionally from drifting matter (Maréchal and Poll 1991).

Potential threats to this species include over-exploitation for aquarium trade, sedimentation, land agriculture around the lake, and fishing activities. In common with all other fish species in the lake, bycatch from illegal non-selective fishing techniques and gears may be a threat. It is not certain to what extent any of these threats are having an impact on the species.

It is in the ornamental trade.

No known, targeted conservation measures are in place for this species. An annual three-month fishing ban has been trialled in Lake Tanganyika from May–August, coordinated by the Lake Tanganyika Authority. This fish would benefit from this as an ongoing measure, to allow time for reproduction.

It is possible that collection for the ornamental trade is or could be a threat to this species, considering its restricted distribution. Monitoring is required, and if this is shown to be a threat then some restrictions or controls could benefit this species.