Phacus hamatus is an elongated and asymmetrical eukaryotic organism found in freshwater environments. It features a firm pellicle that maintains its shape and a notably compressed, sometimes twisted, short caudal process. The periplast, or outer covering, is adorned with longitudinal striae or rows of short spines. Within its cell structure, Phacus hamatus contains numerous discoid chloroplasts responsible for photosynthesis, alongside one or two large, ring-shaped paramylum bodies. This species obtains nutrients through holophytic means, utilizing sunlight to sustain its biological processes.