Desmodesmus abundans, a green algae species, forms colonies (coenobia) composed of 4, 8, or occasionally 16 elongated cells arranged in a flat, plate-like structure. Each cell is cylindrical or spindle-shaped with rounded ends, typically straight or slightly curved, radiating from a central point. The cells range in length from 9 to 36 µm and in width from 1.5 to 6 µm, characterized by a slender morphology. They contain parietal chloroplasts with one pyrenoid per chloroplast for photosynthesis, housed within a firm cell wall that may be ornamented. Commonly found in freshwater habitats like ponds and lakes, Desmodesmus abundans contributes to freshwater phytoplankton communities.