Arthrodesmus Ehrenberg ex Ralfs[2] Staurodesmus is a genus of green algae, specifically of the Desmidiaceae.

Cell walls also lack protuberances or other ornamentations, which separate the genus from the similar Xanthidium.

As these cells could not soundly be placed into one genus, Teiling erected Staurodesmus; the name was made to be a portmanteau of Arthrodesmus and Staurastrum.

[5] Staurodesmus consists of solitary cells that are divided into two symmetrical halves, called semicells.

[5] Species of Staurodesmus are distinguished from each other by the shape of the cells, and the size and orientation of the spines.