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4 Things You Need to Know About Marmosets

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4 Things You Need to Know About Marmosets

Marmosets, belonging to the family Callitrichidae, are a large group of small, long-tailed monkeys native to South America. In appearance, they are often compared to squirrels.

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Steven Scott

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An Introduction to Marmosets

Marmosets, belonging to the family Callitrichidae, are a large group of small, long-tailed monkeys native to South America. In appearance, they are often compared to squirrels. These arboreal primates move in rapid, jerky motions. They have claws on all their digits except the big toe, which helps them scurry along tree branches. Their diet consists mainly of insects, but also includes fruit, tree sap, and other small creatures. Marmosets are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they reside in small social units. The gestation period lasts between four and six months, varying by species, and twin births are most typical, with single births and triplets occurring with similar frequency. While people have kept marmosets as pets since the 1600s, they need specialized care to thrive in captivity.

Classifying the Marmoset Family

The marmoset family is divided into three main categories: the "true" marmosets, the tamarins, and Goeldi's monkey (*Callimico goeldii*). Also referred to as Goeldi's marmoset, this species inhabits only the western basin of the Amazon River. It is black-furred with a mane and is set apart from its relatives by having a third set of molars and usually giving birth to a single infant instead of twins. While it was once believed to be an evolutionary link between marmosets and other New World monkeys, modern genetic studies confirm it is firmly part of the marmoset family.
The "true" marmosets (genus *Callithrix*) are characterized by their short lower canine teeth, making them "short-tusked." In contrast, those with relatively long lower canines, known as "long-tusked," are classified as tamarins (genera Saguinus and *Leontopithecus*).

Spotlight on "True" Marmosets

The two species of pygmy marmosets (*C. pygmaea* and *C. niveiventris*) are the smallest of the "true" marmosets. They inhabit the rainforests of the upper Amazon tributaries. Their head-and-body length is roughly 14 cm (6 inches), with a tail that is a bit longer. An adult pygmy marmoset weighs a mere 90 grams (3 ounces), while other species in the family can reach 600 grams (1.3 pounds) or more.
The common marmoset (*C. jacchus*) is found in the scrub forests of northeastern Brazil. It weighs about 400 grams (14 ounces), with a body length of 15–25 cm (6–10 inches), not including its 25–40-cm (10–16-inch) tail. Its fur is dense and silky, with a marbled brown-and-white pattern, white ear tufts, and black-and-white rings on the tail. Numerous other Callitrichix species inhabit various tropical forests, with several new species having been identified in recent decades. These species display a wide array of colors and ear fur. "True" marmosets use their short canines and long lower incisors to gnaw tree bark, creating distinctive notches that release sap. They form monogamous breeding pairs and have a cooperative social structure where older offspring help with feeding, carrying, and educating the young. The presence of the dominant breeding pair inhibits the sexual maturation of the younger members until they leave the group.

The Distinctive Tamarins

Tamarins are a diverse and distinctive group within the marmoset family.
Lion Tamarins: Named for their impressive manes, all four species in the genus Leontopithecus are endangered. The black-faced lion tamarin (*L. caissara*), first documented in 1990, is critically endangered. Lion tamarins are larger than "true" marmosets and possess long, slender fingers perfect for extracting insects from crevices. The golden lion tamarin (*L. rosalia*), with its magnificent golden fur, black face, and mane, is found only in fragmented forests in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state. Their social system is similar to "true" marmosets, but reproductive suppression is behavioral. Some groups even exhibit polyandry, where two males cooperate to raise the offspring of a single female.
Other Tamarin Species: The genus Saguinus contains at least twelve species, many with remarkable features. The emperor tamarin (*S. imperator*) of the southwestern Amazon basin sports a long, elegant white mustache. The cotton-top tamarin (*S. oedipus*), native to Colombia and Panama, is distinguished by a scruffy white crest of hair on its head. Another species, the golden-handed tamarin (*S. midas*), takes its name from a figure in Greek mythology.

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