About Monkeys
New World Monkey

Marmosets

Callithrix

Marmosets are tiny New World monkeys of Brazil's forests, specialized gum-feeders that gouge tree bark to reach the sap beneath.

Marmoset with orange head and grizzled body gripping a mossy tree trunk
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Primates
Family
Callitrichidae

Other Names

Marmoset

Size

7–9.5 inches long; 0.7–1.1 lbs. The related pygmy marmoset is even smaller.

Description

Claw-like nails rather than flat nails, and, in many species, distinctive tufted ears.

Behavior

Quick, squirrel-like movement along branches and trunks.

Diet

Tree gum and sap, supplemented with fruit and insects.

Communication

High-pitched calls, some at frequencies near the upper edge of human hearing.

Habitat

Forests across South America, especially Brazil.

Life Cycle & Society

Gestation
~140–150 days
Sexually Mature
~18 months
Life Span
10–12 years wild, up to 16 in captivity
Athleticism
Fast, agile movement along thin branches
Conservation Status
Least Concern to Vulnerable

Marmosets live in family groups, typically one breeding female supported by several helpers who assist in carrying and caring for young. Twin births are the norm across the family, an unusual trait among primates.

Selected Species

  • Common Marmoset

    Callithrix jacchus

  • Silvery Marmoset

    Mico argentatus

  • Black-tufted Marmoset

    Callithrix penicillata

  • Pygmy Marmoset

    Cebuella pygmaea

Shop

Monkey Gifts

A random selection of monkey gifts from the collection.

See all monkey gifts →

← Back to all monkey species