The organism exhibits varying shapes such as short or elongated spindles, cylindrical forms, or band-like structures. Its pellicle often displays longitudinal or spiral striae; some have a thin and highly flexible pellicle, while others are regularly spirally twisted. The stigma is typically located at the anterior end. Chromatophores are numerous and can be disc-shaped, band-like, or fusiform. Pyrenoids may or may not be surrounded by a starch envelope. Paramylum bodies, which can be rod-like to ovoid or scattered throughout, may number two, with one on each side of the nucleus. In terms of reproduction, asexual reproduction occurs through longitudinal fission. Sexual reproduction has been observed in Euglena sanguinea. The organism is common in stagnant water, especially where algae are present. When present in large numbers, it forms a green film on the water surface, and resting or encysted stages may create conspicuous green spots on pond or pool bottoms. This species inhabits freshwater environments.