Common Marmoset

Callithrix jacchus

A tiny tree-sap-eating monkey of northeastern Brazil with white ear tufts, usually born as twins.

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About the Common Marmoset

Common marmosets live in the forests of northeastern Brazil, often along forest edges. An adult weighs only 300 to 360 grams, less than a pound. Marmosets feed mainly on tree sap, plus insects, spiders, fruit, flowers and nectar. They live in family groups of 2 to 13, and mothers usually give birth to twins.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Callithrix jacchus^[1]
Size: Body 12 to 15 cm long, with a 29.5 to 35 cm tail.^[1]
Weight: 300 to 360 grams (under 1 pound).^[1]
Lifespan: About 10 years in the wild. 12 to 16 years in captivity.^[1]
Diet: Mainly tree sap, plus insects, spiders, fruit, flowers and nectar.^[1]
Habitat: Forest edges and coastal rainforest.^[1]
Where it lives: Northeastern Brazil.^[1]
Group life: Family groups of 2 to 13.^[1]
Babies: Usually twins. Fathers and older siblings help care for them.^[1]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2015).^[2]

Fun facts

A marmoset's tail is about twice as long as its body.^[1]
Common marmosets have white ear tufts and a white patch on the forehead.^[1]
Marmoset twins can weigh up to 40 percent of their mother's weight.^[1]
Tree sap is a marmoset's main food.^[1]

Vocabulary

sap: The sticky liquid that flows inside trees.
ear tuft: A clump of long hair that sticks out from the ear.
twins: Two babies born at the same time to the same mother.
sibling: A brother or sister.
primate: A mammal with grasping hands and forward-facing eyes, like monkeys, apes and humans.

See it in person

Montgomery ZooMontgomery, Alabama · South AmericaSee this area on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. “Callithrix jacchus (common marmoset).” https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callithrix_jacchus/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
[2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Callithrix jacchus (Common Marmoset).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/41518/191705043 (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.

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