Chemoorganotrophs capable of respiratory and fermentative metabolism. Can grow in absence of oxygen when suitable electron-acceptor present. Do not denitrify. Can not use molecular nitrogen. Fermentation of glucose produces acid.
All strains can use glucose, mannose, fructose, or glycerol as the sole carbon source.
Also slow growth at refrigerator temperature. Isolation Protocol for Vibrio phosphoreum Many bacteria grow on dead seafish. Since Vibrio phosphoreum grows at low tempature and may glow on complex media, we use these to enrich for V. phosphoreum . Incubate fresh fish, squid, or octopus at 10-15 deg Celcius, half submerged in natural or synthetic seawater. Since streaking plates in total darkness is difficult, scientists use a red light.