ExploreMammals

Black-tufted marmoset

Callithrix penicillata

The black-tufted marmoset is a small monkey with fluffy black tufts of fur on its ears. They are playful and love to jump around in trees, making them fun to watch!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Black-tufted marmoset is a small monkey with dark, grizzled fur, often reddish-brown on its back. It is visually different due to its prominent, long, black ear tufts that frame its face. Its tail is longer than its body and banded with dark and light rings.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPrimatesFamilyCallitrichidaeGenusCallithrix
Black-tufted marmoset
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Black-tufted marmoset

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Marmosets mostly give birth to twins, which is rare for mammals!

Their long tails are not for gripping, but for super balancing acts!

These tiny monkeys weigh less than a can of soda!

They spend hours 'drilling' into trees to find their favorite sticky sap!

Special abilities

Ability

Tree Sap Tapper

Black-tufted marmosets have specialized teeth and claws that help them to gouge holes in tree bark and eat nutritious sap.

Ability

Claw Grip Climber

Black-tufted marmosets have sharp, claw-like nails (tegulae) instead of flat nails, helping them grip tree trunks for climbing.

Ability

Acrobatic Leaper

Black-tufted marmosets can leap surprisingly far between trees, using their long tails for balance while navigating the canopy.

Ability

Chirpy Communicator

Black-tufted marmosets use a complex range of chirps and whistles to communicate with their group about food or danger.

Measurements & details

Length
18-20 cm
Weight
0.23-0.35 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Litter Size
1-3
Gestation
140-145 days

Diet & Feeding

These active little monkeys enjoy a varied diet of tree sap, tasty insects, and ripe fruits.

Primary Foods

  • tree sap
  • gums
  • insects
  • fruits
  • nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Ornate Hawk-Eagle

Spizaetus ornatus

hunts small monkeys in the canopy.

eaten by

Boa Constrictor

Boa constrictor

ambushes marmosets on branches.

eats

Leafcutter Ant

Atta cephalotes

preys on insects like these ants.

eats

Warty Fig

Ficus insipida

enjoys the fruits of this tree.

depends on

Coral Tree

Erythrina fusca

relies on tree sap from its bark.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always observe wild animals from a distance and never try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Black-tufted marmoset?

18-20 cm

How much does Black-tufted marmoset weigh?

0.23-0.35 kg

How long does Black-tufted marmoset live?

10-12 years

What does Black-tufted marmoset eat?

These active little monkeys enjoy a varied diet of tree sap, tasty insects, and ripe fruits.

Where is Black-tufted marmoset usually found?

Forests

How does Black-tufted marmoset hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Black-tufted marmoset usually have?

1-3

How long is Black-tufted marmoset's gestation?

140-145 days

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