This temperature range is one of the only things that can distinguish it from N. albida on the DNA level, however, it can be phenotypically differentiated through its ability to utilize different minerals and its overall appearance.

When plated the colonies have a slightly mucosoid appearance, with a white to cream coloration.

Naganishia antarctica is able to assimilate nitrogen and glucoronate, and some strains can turn a dirty yellow when doing so.

Only certain strains of N. anarctica can use citrate at pH 6.0, D-glucitol, L-arabinose, raffinose and xylose as sole carbon sources.

This species is also able to assimilate L-lysine, nitrate and cadaverine as nitrogen sources.