Golden marmosets, or Leontopithecus chrysomelas, have a mane derived from long hairs on the top of the head, cheeks and throat. The golden marmoset is predominantly black with golden to reddish-orange on the front of the mane, the lower half of the front paws and part of the tail. It weighs about 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). They eat mostly insects and fruit and small vertebrates such as lizards and birds. The female usually gives birth to twins.

The golden marmoset occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forests.The golden marmoset has only been known from the southern portion of the coastal state of Bahia, Brazil. It was originally found between the south bank of the Rio das Contas and the north bank of the Rio Belmonte along the Atlantic Coast. As of 1981, small scattered populations were known only near Buerarema, Itabuna, Una and possibly Ilheus, in the state of Bahia in Brazil.

More than 90% of the original Atlantic coastal forest, which contains the golden marmoset's habitat, has been destroyed or reduced to obtain lumber and charcoal and to clear out areas for plantations, cattle pasture, and industry. In addition, capture for use in laboratories and the pet trade has contributed to its decline. As of 1990, international trade had been reduced, although internal trade was still widespread.

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