This Gram positive coccus is found in tetrads, irregular clusters, and cubical packets of eight. Colonies are often brightly pigmented. Cells are catalase positive, oxidase positive, and exhibit strictly aerobic metabolism. Optimum growth temperature is 25-37 C. It is isolated primarily from mammalian skin, but can also be infrequently found in food products (fish and others), water, and dust. Its role in causing disease is minimal.