The valves are either elliptical or bipolar in shape and display an elevation with an ocellus at each pole. Each valve typically has two or more labiate processes, accompanied by long external tubes. These organisms are typically yellow or brown in color, with cell sizes ranging from 80 to 440 μm. They can be found individually or in pairs and form colonies arranged in either straight lines or a zigzag pattern. Numerous small chloroplasts are positioned along the valve wall.