A molecular phylogenetic study published in 2013 found that Myrmeciza, as then defined, was polyphyletic.

[5] A year later the same authors determined that by the principle of priority the older genus Akletos, which had been introduced by the Polish ornithologist Andrzej Dunajewski in 1948, was proper.

Both sexes have a ring of bare bluish gray skin around their eye, though the female's is paler, and a red iris.

Their crown, upperparts, and wings are rufous-brown and their tail dark reddish brown.

It is found in southeastern Peru, northwestern Bolivia, and the western Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas.

It typically forages singly, in pairs, or in family groups in dense vegetation, mostly on the ground and within about 2 m (7 ft) above it.

[8] The breeding season of Goeldi's antbird has not been detailed but spans from August to November in Peru and perhaps includes December in Brazil.

The song of Goeldi's antbird is "a series...beginning with 3 soft, rapidly delivered notes, first longer than second but shorter than third, followed by evenly paced series of downslurred whistles, notes shorter than intervals".