This Gram positive coccus is found as singles, pairs, and less frequently as irregular, grape-like clusters. Cells are catalase positive and exhibit facultatively anaerobic metabolism. Able to use glucose oxidatively and fermentatively. Salt tolerant in media with NaCl concentrations up to 10%. Growth occurs at temperatures between 15-40 C, with optimum growth occurring between 30-35 C. Isolated most frequently from the skin of pigs and less frequently from poultry and the skin or milk of cattle. It is associated with skin diseases of livestock but not humans.