Not really, and they will not thrive unless kept in a group of at least 8-10 individuals. And as for being similar to Paratilapia bleekeri (Starry Night), that's crazy, as they have nothing in common except for their pattern of light spots on a dark background, and even that is true of T. duboisi only as juveniles.I seem to recall that these are hard to find.
Duboisi Cichlids - pets
Rehoming two baby Duboisi cichlids for $20 ($18 each at lfs) Very cool looking fish similiar to Starry Night Bleekeri Poleni freshwater fish Trade for bichir, eel, ctenopoma, ???seattle.craigslist.org
Yes, getting into Tropheus can be expensive. 1-1.5" TR fishes typically sell for $20-30 each, and you really can't maintain them successfully except in a colony of ~10 or more individuals. T. duboisi is popular because it is relatively undemanding, but it is my least favourite Tropheus species- they're cute when they're little, but... That said, 'Maswa' is the most attractive (and popular) T. duboisi population.
LFD just listed Tropheus duboisi Halembe for sale for $30 each for <2" fishes. The pic is of juveniles.
That's one of the reasons most Tropheus keepers get their fishes from other hobbyists. Of all the different Tropheus I've kept over the years, most have come from other hobbyists. Not only does that make the fishes more affordable, but it also allows access to rarer forms that are largely absent from the commercial market. It's also advantageous for the breeders, because it ensures that their fishes will be properly cared for. When I was breeding Tropheus seriously, I would not sell fishes to anyone who wasn't prepared to maintain them properly. These days, I raise them for myself, or for other hobbyists, by request.