Name

Common Marmoset

Scientific Name

Callithrix jacchus

Characteristics

Marmosets are amongst some of the smallest primates in the world. They have tufts of white hair around their ears and the fur on their bodies is grey and brown in colour. Marmosets’ tails have dark wide bands and pale narrow bands, creating a ‘stripy’ effect.

Marmosets tend to be more active in the early morning and late evening. They spend much of the day sleeping and grooming. Like tamarins, they live in social groups and all the marmosets in the group help to care for the young. Usually, female marmosets give birth to twins but they have been known to have up to 3 or 4 young in one litter.

If under threat, marmosets make alarm calls to warn the others in their group of danger. They have been known to mob predators, behaving aggressively and making loud noises until the predator retreats.

Diet

In the wild, common marmosets feed on fruit, small animals and gum.

Size Fact

Marmosets usually weigh between 200-300g.

Food Fact

Marmosets have large and very sharp lower incisors to help them gnaw into trees to feed on gum.

Fun Fact

Marmosets lick and cuddle their chosen mates!

IUCN Red list

Common Marmosets are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN red list. 

Where do I live?

Marmosets are native to South America.