This Gram positive coccus is found in tetrads, irregular clusters, and cubical packets of eight. Colonies typically have a lemon-yellow pigment. Cells are catalase positive, oxidase positive, and exhibit strictly aerobic metabolism. Optimum growth temperature is 25-37 C. It is primarily isolated from mammalian skin, mouth, and respiratory tract, but can also be found infrequently in food products and water. Its role in causing disease is minimal.