Diagnostic features
Pseudofilamentous desmid with adjacent cells joined in a slightly offset way, forming a spirally twisted chain. The filament is often embedded in mucilage. Each cell is comprised of 2 semi-cells, each of which contains an axial chloroplast with pyrenoids. In end view the cells may have 2, 3, or 4 processes depending on the species. Pairs of filaments may conjugate in the manner of Spirogyra.
![[Desmidium], Duck Creek, Auckland, X50. Photo: Manaaki Whenua Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/desmidium50b__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)