Guide to Parlibellus

Valves are rhomboid or bluntly lanceolate. The central area is variable in shape, from a large fascia-like central area to small and oval. The raphe is straight, with curved distal fissures. Frustules possess numerous girdle bands. Two chloroplasts with deep lobes are present in living cells.

This genus includes primarily marine species, with few freshwater species. Some marine littoral species create mucilage tubes.