Family Zygnemataceae is a group of green algae that is commonly referred to as 'conjugating algae', due to their unique method of sexual reproduction. These primitive algae have a simple cellular structure and are found in freshwater environments throughout the world. Synonyms for this family could include 'conjugating green algae', 'Zygnematales', and 'stellate green algae'. The latter is particularly descriptive of their appearance, as many species of the Zygnemataceae family are characterized by their star-shaped cells. While these algae may seem unremarkable at first glance, they play an important role in aquatic ecosystems, serving as a source of food for other organisms and contributing to the overall health of freshwater environments.