Desmidiaceae

The Desmidiaceae are one of four families of charophyte green algae in the order Desmidiales (desmids). Desmids in the family Desmidiaceae consist of single-celled (sometimes filamentous or colonial), microscopic green algae. Because they are highly symmetrical, attractive, and come in a diversity of forms, they are popular subjects for microscopists, both amateur and professional.

Cosmarium is a large genus of desmids (Desmidiaceae), a group of green algae closely related to the land plants (Embryophyta). Members of this genus are microscopic and found in freshwater habitats around the world.

Micrasterias is a unicellular green alga of the order Desmidiales. Its species vary in size reaching up to hundreds of microns.

Actinotaenium is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae. It is a freshwater genus, typically found in the benthos of acidic, oligotrophic lakes or Sphagnum bogs. It has a cosmopolitan distribution.

Desmidium is a genus of green algae, the type genus of the family Desmidiaceae. It has a cosmopolitan distribution in acidic, oligotrophic freshwater lakes and bogs.

Staurastrum is a large genus of desmids (Desmidiaceae), a group of green algae closely related to the land plants (Embryophyta). Members of this genus are microscopic and found in freshwater habitats around the world.

Euastrum is a genus of green algae of the Desmidiaceae family. It lives in acidic waters.

Bambusina is a genus of freshwater green algae in the family Desmidiaceae. Bambusina is a cosmopolitan genus, typically associated with acidic and oligotrophic waters. Species of this genus, particularly B. borreri, have been reported in all continents except Antarctica.

Staurodesmus is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae.

Hyalotheca is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae. It has a cosmopolitan distribution and is found in acidic, oligotrophic freshwater habitats.

Xanthidium is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae.

Spondylosium is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae. Like other desmids, it prefers acidic, oligotrophic freshwater lakes and ponds. It has a cosmopolitan distribution.

Cosmocladium is a genus of freshwater green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae. Currently there are 7 accepted species, though there are 11 described. The holotype is Cosmocladium pulchellum Brébisson described in 1856.

Pleurotaenium is a genus of green algae, specifically of the desmids (Desmidiaceae). It is a cosmopolitan genus, with about 50 species. Members of Pleurotaenium are found in freshwater habitats, and may be found in acidic, neutral or alkaline waters.

Sphaerozosma is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae. It occurs in acidic, oligotrophic freshwater habitats and is found worldwide.