Tetrabaenaceae

Tetrabaenaceae is a family of green algae in the order Chlamydomonadales. It is widespread but occasional, and found in freshwater habitats.

Members of the family Tetrabaenaceae consists of four-celled colonial organisms. Each cell is ovoid and biflagellate (with two equal flagella) and is embedded in a gelatinous matrix. Cells contain a large cup-shaped chloroplast with a basal pyrenoid, a stigma, and two contractile vacuoles at the base of the flagella. Sexual reproduction is isogamous.