Finger monkeys are among the smallest primates on earth. These are also called pygmy marmosets. These are small monkeys now kept as exotic animal companions.
Finger monkeys or pygmy marmosets are the smallest true monkeys on earth. Full-grown finger monkeys typically weigh around 4 to 5 ounces and they can grow to about 6 inches long, not including the tail.
These small primates have a special genus all on their own because they are quite different from other marmosets. They also behave differently when in captivity than when in their natural habitat where they are more exuberant.
Why are they named ‘finger monkeys’
These monkeys are so named because they are quite small. A lot of photos show these small animals hanging on to a human finger, looking wide-eyed. But these animals will not fit your fingers as they grow. The adults might grow to about 5 – 6 inches, not including their tails which could measure about 8 inches.
Since they are the smallest monkeys on earth, they are also sometimes called pocket monkeys. The finger monkey (Cebuella pygmaea) is a pygmy marmoset. Also, they are sometimes called ‘tiny lions’ or ‘little lions.’ They get their names because they are only about the size of a finger, typically hugging human fingers tightly.
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