They possess shield shaped bodies with a rounded anterior and three caudal lobes, though the number may vary in mature individuals.

When feeding, they raise their front ends and fold the lateral edges of their body downward forming a funnel.

During budding or architomy the offspring separate from the body by attaching to the substrate and tearing away.

The offspring produced by sexual reproduction lack the symbiotic algae and will die unless they can pick them up within a few weeks.

Due to their rapid growth in well-lit aquariums, they are considered pests.