Cells large and solitary, containing two chloroplasts separated by clear space in cell centre.
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.
![[Closterium], Lake Tuakitoto, X640 . Photo: Otago Regional Council & Manaaki Whenua](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/algae/closterium640__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)