Long, spindle-shaped cells tapering to sharp points, weakly to strongly curved, row of pyrenoids absent; may cluster together in bundles.
Cells small, usually associated in small colonies surrounded by mucilage (if found singly, difficult to distinguish from [Selenastrum]).
Cells are small, each containing a single chloroplast; although may associate into colonies, these are not mucilaginous.
![[Ankistrodesmus] (sewage pond), X400. Photo: Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/ankistrodesmus400__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)
![[Kirchneriella], Lake Rotorangi, Taranaki, X400. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/kirchneriella400__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)
![[Selenastrum], Lake Rotoiti, X640. Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/selenastrum640__FillMaxWzMwMCwyMDBd.jpg)