Description
The cotton-top tamarin is part of the callitrichidae family, which includes all species of marmosets and tamarins.
All these species share claws instead of nails and only 2 molars, instead of three, on each side of the jaw. The cotton-top tamarin stands out from other tamarins by the absence of an opposable thumb on its front limbs and by the long white crest on top of its head, resembling a mane, which extends from the forehead to the nape and shoulders. Its face has little hair and features black skin. The back is dark brown while the rear, the base of the tail, and the thighs are orange-brown. Its body measures between 21 and 26 cm, with an average of 23 cm. Its tail is longer and measures about 30 to 40 cm, ending in a black tip.
Unlike other species of South American primates, the cotton-top tamarin’s tail is not prehensile, meaning it cannot grasp anything with it.
