[1] Prior to its formal description it was relatively common in the aquarium fish hobby, denoted as either a subspecies of Pelvicachromis subocellatus or as an undescribed species similar to P. subocelatus, Pelvicachromis sp.

[1][3] Although similar in appearance to P. subocellatus and the more common P. pulcher, it has a deeper body than either species.

[1] The dark stripes can fade under certain circumstances, such as dominance displays and courtship, and at times vertical bands can appear on the body, particularly while caring for fry.

[1] The female has a red or purple belly, which becomes brighter and edged in iridescent white or blue during courtship.

[1] Males can grow to up to 4.8 centimetres (1.9 in) long, excluding the caudal fin.