Ankyra is a genus of green algae in the family Characiaceae.

[1] This genus of algae is closely related to Atractomorpha and Sphaeroplea.

[3] Ankyra consists of single cells that are planktonic or epiphytic.

Cells are spindle-shaped or cylindrical with the ends tapering into long spines.

One band-shaped chloroplast lines the inside of the cell membrane, and contains a single pyrenoid.