 It was originally described in 1891 by Belgian ichthyologist Louise Schilthuis after its discovery in the Malebo Pool of the Congo River.The specific name ""angelicus"" means heavenly or divine, since juveniles of this species are remarkable for their bright coloring.Adult specimens between 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.