They feed on fruits, insects, frogs, and tree gums, a nd often do so in a vertically clinging posture. They travel by walking, running, and clinging to the sides of trees. They live in groups of 3 to 8 members, and even sleep all huddled together. Newborns are fully furred with their eyes wide open. They are at first carried around by clinging to the back of a parent.
Male tamarins perform most of the child caring to their young.
The lifespan of a saddleback tamarin is 15 years.