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Writer's picturejessiekdesign

Finger Monkey

Updated: Aug 17, 2023

People from all walks a life are absolutely swooning over Finger Monkeys and can't get enough of them. The large eyes give them an innocent and inquisitive look, while the fluffy fur makes them appear soft and cuddly. Their small size also adds to their cuteness, as it makes them appear more vulnerable and in need of protection. Additionally, the unique physical characteristics of Pygmy Marmosets are also a factor in their cuteness as they are the smallest monkey species in the world, which makes them stand out.

Finger monkey on a porch.

They were given the nickname "finger monkeys" due to their small size but their given name is Pygmy Marmoset. They are native to the rainforests of South America. They are found in countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. They primarily live in the canopy of the rainforest, where they move around and feed on tree sap, fruit, insects, and spiders. The rainforests provide them with a diverse array of food sources as well as shelter, which is essential for their survival. They are also arboreal animals, which means they live and move around in the trees, avoiding to go down to the forest floor.

Finger monkey sitting on a branch.

Finger monkeys typically live in small family groups consisting of a monogamous breeding pair and their offspring. These groups usually have a hierarchical structure, with the dominant breeding pair at the top. The breeding pair is typically the only pair within the group that reproduces.


Mating typically takes place during the rainy season, with females giving birth to one to two offspring at a time, after a gestation period of around 140 days. Both parents participate in caring for the young, with the mother nursing and carrying the infants, while the father helps to protect and provision the family. The young are weaned at around 3-4 months of age and become independent at around 6-8 months of age.


Finger monkeys are known to be highly cooperative breeders, meaning that other members of the group, such as siblings or helpers, may assist in raising the young. This behavior is also observed in some primates species, and it is believed that it helps to increase the chances of survival for the young.

Finger monkey sitting on a branch.

They are called "finger monkeys" because of their small size, which allows them to easily grip onto a finger. They typically grow to be around 5-6 inches in length, and weigh around 4 ounces. They have soft, fluffy fur which is usually dark brown or gray in color, and large, expressive eyes.


On average, they can live for around 15 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer or shorter lives depending on their specific circumstances.


In captivity, their lifespan is generally lower, this is due to the fact that they are not able to live in their natural habitat, which can have a negative impact on their health and well-being.


Additionally, they may have a harder time adapting to captivity, which can make them more susceptible to disease and other health issues. So, it is not recommended to keep them as pets.

It is important to note that wild animals like finger monkeys have unique needs and it is best for them to live in their natural habitat where they can thrive.

Two finger monkey's sitting on a fallen log.

People are asking if they can have finger monkeys as pets? It is generally not recommended to keep finger monkeys, also known as pygmy marmosets, as pets. They are wild animals and are not domesticated. Keeping them in captivity can be harmful to their health and well-being as they have specific needs such as a specific diet, socialization and large spaces to move around.


Additionally, they are a protected species, and it is illegal to keep them as pets in many countries and states. Even in places where it may be technically legal to own one, obtaining a finger monkey can often involve illegal animal trafficking, which is cruel and dangerous for the animals.


Lastly, It is important to consider that owning a wild animal is a big responsibility that requires a lot of time and money. It is not a decision to be taken lightly and you should research and consider all aspects before making a decision.



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