Genus: Colonies of 4 (or 2, 8, 16) cells attached side by side, arranged linearly or zigzag; 
cell body elliptical or spindle or crescent in shape; terminal cells with spiny projections in many species; 
cell wall usually smooth, but in some species granulated or dented or ridged 
(Illustrations of The Japanese Fresh-water Algae, 1977). 
 
Species [ var. denticulatus ]: 
Colonies of 4-8 cells arranged in a slightly zigzag pattern or straight; 
cells at both ends have 2-3 dented projections at both termini, 
inner cells have such projections at only one terminus; 
cell body 10-15 μm long, 5-10 μm diam.  
(Illustrations of The Japanese Fresh-water Algae, 1977). 
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