Janthinobacterium lividum is an aerobic, Gram-negative, soil-dwelling bacterium that has a distinctive dark-violet (almost black) color, due to a compound called violacein, which is produced when glycerol is metabolized as a carbon source.

Its antifungal properties are of particular interest, since J. lividum is found on the skin of certain amphibians, including the red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus), where it prevents infection by the devastating chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis).

[6] J. lividum inhibits the toxic effect and growth of the fungal genus Batrachochytrium.

A study conducted in 2009 explored the effects of Bd and the use of J. lividium in the lab for survival.

The biodegradable pigment could be an alternative to synthetic textile dyes that contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals.