It was originally described in 1891 by Belgian ichthyologist Louise Schilthuis after its discovery in the Malebo Pool of the Congo River.

[3] The specific name "angelicus" means heavenly or divine, since juveniles of this species are remarkable for their bright colors.

[3] Adult specimens between 9 and 18 centimetres (3.5 and 7.1 in) are grey to dark violet, with reddish-yellow to bark brown-red blotches on the head, sides, adipose fin, and partly running together on the ventral surface.

[3] Juveniles between 4 and 9 centimetres (1.6 and 3.5 in) are strikingly colored, with white, round blotches on a red-violet background.

[2] The caudal fin is deeply forked with an extension on the top lobe.