Cells have constrictions between them (filamentous desmids).
Cell walls composed of overlapping pieces that are H-shaped in optical section (often visible at break points); pyrenoids are absent.
Cell wall is smooth and featureless; filaments are long and cells are not easily dissociated.
Some cell walls have cell division scars visible at one end; pyrenoids present in chloroplasts.
Cell wall is smooth and featureless; filaments are short and easily dissociated; chloroplasts one to a few per cell, small and discoid.
![[Hyalotheca], Lake Tuakitoto, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/hyalotheca640__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)
![[Microspora], Mill Creek, Otago, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/microspora640__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)
![[Rhizoclonium], X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/rhizoclonium640__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)
![[Oedogonium], Shag River, north Otago. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/oedogonium3__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)
![[Stichococcus], X1000. Photo: Phil Novis, Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/stichococcus_phil1000__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)