This diatom does not have a raphe, which is a slit in the valve. It has an elongated, narrow frustule, or cell wall, that is visible in both valve and girdle views. The cells form ribbon-like colonies by connecting side by side through small, interlocking spines at the valve edges. These ribbons are often found attached to submerged plant surfaces.In girdle view, the cells are oblong in shape with a central swelling. The valves are symmetrical and have transverse striae, or parallel lines. The valves are also linear, elliptical in shape with rounded edges. There is often a gap between each cell on both sides of the central swelling. Each cell contains two prominent chloroplasts.