
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cebuella pygmaea
The world's smallest monkey at 12-16cm and 85-140g, a gum-feeder of the western Amazon canopy. CITES Appendix II; Japan bars pet imports of primates, so only rare captive-bred animals circulate.
It gnaws holes in bark to release gum and draws about 70% of its calories from exudates, supplemented by insects, fruit and nectar. It lives in stable troops of 2-9 in which one dominant pair breeds, typically producing twins about twice a year. It is diurnal, and lives 15-20 years in captivity. A 2018 molecular study split the eastern populations off as Cebuella niveiventris, so identifying traded animals to species is not straightforward. Both species are Vulnerable. It was placed on CITES Appendix I in 1977 and has been on Appendix II under the order-wide primate listing since 1979. Japan does not permit primate imports for pet purposes under the Infectious Diseases Control Act, so only domestically bred animals circulate, and sellers need animal-handling business registration. As a troop-living animal it should not be kept alone, and it needs a tall enclosure and a diet that reproduces gum and insects. It is very rarely available in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Pygmy Marmoset lives 15-20 years.
The Pygmy Marmoset grows to Head-body 12-16cm / 85-140g.
The pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) of the western Amazon Basin in Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Peru and northern Bolivia is the smallest monkey, with a head-body length of 12-16 cm, tail 17-23 cm and weight 85-140 g.
Origin
Western Amazon Basin (Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, northern Bolivia)
Lifespan
15-20 years
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Cebuella pygmaea (Spix, 1823)
Synonyms: Callithrix pygmaea
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Domestic law: Primates cannot be imported into Japan for pet purposes under the Infectious Diseases Control Act (Animal Quarantine Service); only domestically bred animals may be traded.
Sources: CITES Appendices (PRIMATES spp. Appendix II) / IUCN Red List Cebuella pygmaea / Animal Quarantine Service: other animals (primate import ban)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Size
Head-body 12-16cm / 85-140g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Tree gum and sap, insects, fruit, marmoset diet
A tall cage (150cm+) with a three-dimensional branch layout, a gum feeder and a nest box
Troop members groom one another; no brushing. Claws wear naturally on branches
A highly social troop-living monkey; diurnal and wary, and stressed when kept alone
CITES II, captive-bred only in Japan. Gum-based specialist diet makes care demanding; mind zoonotic disease precautions
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Pygmy Marmoset is 15-20 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Pygmy Marmoset typically reaches Head-body 12-16cm / 85-140g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Pygmy Marmoset feeds on: Tree gum and sap, insects, fruit, marmoset diet. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Pygmy Marmoset varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026