The genus was first proposed in 2006. The type speciesP. 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.[1] Other members of this genus have been initially isolated from air, soil, bark, and scoria.[3]
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. P. jejuensis is the only psychrotrophs.[4]
In 2018, several species were transferred to the genus Pedococcus.[5]