The upper parts of cotton-top tamarins have alternating colors. The underparts are whitish. A white crest extends over the head. They have claws on all fingers and toes except the big toe. The claws are an adaptation for climbing and clinging to branches and tree trunks. They have long thumbs and extremely short big toes.

The most significant current threat to their survival is the destruction of their habitat, which is being converted to farm fields and cattle pastures. Captive populations are thriving.

• Listed as “critically endangered " on the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) .
• CZS Conservation - Species Survival Plan
• Proyecto Titi
• Wildlife Conservation Network