Cells are cylindrical, several times longer than wide, with a linear series of alternating vacuoles and cytoplasmic zones containing nuclei and chloroplasts.

In asexual reproduction, the filaments break apart, although one species has been observed to produce zoospores that are biflagellate (i.e. with two flagella).

Zygotes develop a thick cell wall with ornamentation, and eventually turn reddish-orange before being released.

During germination, the zygote becomes four biflagellate cells that attach to a substrate, lose their flagella, and develop into a new filament.

[2] Sphaeroplea occurs in temporary freshwater habitats such as roadside ditches, margins of ponds, and vleis.