Pygmy Marmoset (Callithrix Pygmaea) - Animals - A-Z Animals - Animal Facts, Information, Pictures, Videos, Resources and Links

The pygmy marmoset averages at about 15cm tall, with a 20cm long tail behind it. The pygmy marmoset has sharp claws which make the pygmy marmoset excellent at climbing trees and the long tail of the pygmy marmoset gives this little monkey fantastic balance when jumping between tree branches.

The low weight of the pygmy marmoset allows the pygmy marmoset to reach the canopy tree tops, a place where many of the larger species of monkey cannot reach. Here the pygmy marmoset eats fruits, berries, insects and small reptiles safely high above any dangerous predators.

The small size of the pygmy marmoset means that it has developed a number of nicknames from locals and tourists alike, such as the pocket monkey and the little lion. The tiny size of this miniature monkey means that the pygmy marmoset if often very difficult to observe in the wild.

The pygmy marmoset has been increasingly popular as an exotic pet, but they are very hard to keep. When a baby pygmy marmoset is taken away from the family it can often die quickly due to depression. Baby pygmy marmosets also need feeding every two hours for their first two weeks in the world so they can be very time-consuming pets. Pet pygmy marmosets can take a grave dislike towards their owners and some have been known to bite their owners and throw feces at them, as a form of attack.

After a gestation period of around 4.5 months, the female pygmy marmoset gives birth to one or two babies. The male pygmy marmoset will often carry the babies after birth until they are big enough and strong enough to look after themselves.

Pygmy marmosets live in groups which tend to consist of the head male and female pygmy marmosets and their offspring, usually about four litters. There can be more than one male in a pygmy marmoset troop, but the dominant male pygmy marmoset will remain the dominant male of that troop.

Pygmy Marmoset Comments (6)

Lily

"I love this animal! I would love to have one as a pet, but i wouldn't want it to be taken away form its family. This article was really helpful, im doing this for a science project and i needed this information Thanks, Lily"

liv

"pygmy marmosets live to be 15 to 16 years of age! "

Brisa Burton

"i am 10 years old and i think the pygmy marmoset munkey is one of the most intristing animals in the world"

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Pygmy Marmoset Facts

Kingdom:

A level of classifying all living things on earth, as similar species are broken into 5 groups including plants, animals and fungi....

Animalia

Phylum:

A level of classifying animals within the animal kingdom. Phylum are further divided into subgroups called classes....

Chordata

Class:

A level of classifying animals in a phylum. Classes are then sub-divided into further groups known as orders....

Mammalia

Order:

A level used to classify animals. Classes are broken into sub-groups known as order, which are broken down further into families....

Primates

Family:

A level of classifying animals within an order. Orders are broken down in families and families are broken down further into smaller groups called genus....

Callitrichidae

Genus:

A level of classifying animals within a family. Families are divided into sub-groups called genus which generally contain one or two animal species....

Cebuella

Scientific Name:

Callithrix Pygmaea

Type:

Mammal

Diet:

Omnivore

Size:

14-16cm (5.5-6.3in)

Weight:

120-140g (4.2-4.9oz)

Top Speed:

40km/h (24mph)

Life Span:

8-12 years

Lifestyle:

Troop

Conservation Status:

The conservation status of a species is an indicator of the likelihood of that species remaining extant either in the present day or the near future. Many factors are taken into account when assessing the conservation s...

Threatened

Colour:

Brown, Tan, Grey, Black, White

Skin Type:

Fur

Favourite Food:

Tree Sap

Habitat:

The term habitat is used to describe a specific area where a particular animal lives, within an environment. Many animals have adapted to requiring specific conditions which can only be found in their natural habitat su...

Outskirts of tropical rainforest

Average Litter Size:

Main Prey:

When an animal is referred to prey, it means that the animal is either hunted or caught for food. Animals that are referred to as prey are generally hunted by bigger animals, although there are a number of exceptions....

Tree Sap, Fruit, Spiders, Insects

Predators:

When an animal is referred to as a predator, it means that the animal either hunts or catches other animals. Predatory animals are generally dominant within their environment and will generally hunt animals smaller than...

Birds, Snakes, Wildcats

Special Features:

Long tail and furry ear tufts

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