This class of galaxies is fundamentally different from normal ellipticals. Their diameters on the order of 1 to 10 kiloparsec with surface brightness that is much lower than normal ellipticals, giving them a much more diffuse appearance. They display the same characteristic gradual decline of star density from a relatively dense core out to a diffuse periphery.
See klass on tavalistest elliptilistest galaktikatest täiesti erinev. Selliste galaktikate diameeter ulatub ühest kümne kiloparsekini ning nende heledus on tavalistest ellipsitest palju väiksem, mis jätab mulje, nagu oleks nad üpris hõredad. Kuid neile on samamoodi omane tähetiheduse järk- järguline kahanemine suhteliselt tihedast tuumast hajusa perifeeria suunas.