Cells of rigifilids are covered with either a single or a double-layered submembrane pellicular lamina that makes them rigid in consistence.

Slender branching filopodia emanate from a ventral aperture of the cell and are employed to collect bacteria upon which they feed and to attach the organism to the substratum.

Around this aperture, the pellicle is reflexed around forming a peristomial collar.

Other notable features are flat and irregular shaped mitocondrial cristae, a single dorsal nucleus and the lack of centrioles and cilia.

Atkins 2000 Malawimonadea Cavalier-Smith 2003 Amoebozoa Lühe 1913 emend.