Microcoocus is a Gram-positive, aerobic bacterium which is a member of the Micrococcaceae family. Micrococcus cells can be observed under the microscope as spherical cells forming pairs or clusters. If cultured in broth or on nutrient agar, the colonies may be red or yellow when observed unstained. Although these bacteria are a common human skin contaminant, they are relatively harmless to humans because they maintain a saprophytic lifestyle. They can also be found in freshwater environments or in soil. Three common species of Micrococcus are M. luteus, M. roseus, and M. varians.
