The main characteristics of Cryptophyceae are:
-
They are found equally in marine and fresh water.
-
The cell contains the pigments chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c and phycobiliprotein are located within the lumen of thylakoids.
-
The cell body is asymmetric with dorsi-ventral sides.
-
Two anteriorly directed flagellum is present which perform different functions.
-
Presence of pyrenoids as reserve food materials.
