Phycicoccus

Phycicoccus is a genus of Gram positive, aerobic, non-endosporeforming bacteria. Species in this genus are mesophilic and have cells that are short rods or coccoid.[1]

The genus was first proposed in 2006. The type species P. jejuensis was first isolated from dried seaweed from a beach in South Korea. The genus name is derived from Latin phycos (seaweed) and coccus, referring to the source of the original isolate and the shape of the cells.[2] However, subsequently discovered species were found to be either short rods or cocci.[3] Other members of this genus have been initially isolated from air, soil, bark, and scoria.[1]

Species from this genus produce yellow, white, or cream-colored colonies on R2A agar. All species are mesophilic; most species cannot grow at temperatures above 35-37 °C, with the exception of P. ginsenosidimutans, which can grow at 45 °C. P. jejuensis and P. aerophilus are the only psychrotrophs.[4]