Meet Roomba, Harbor WildWatchs new Pacific red octopus

Harbor WildWatch has introduced Roomba, a Pacific red octopus, to its Marine Life Center, where she will initially inhabit a small tank. Discovered during a beach cleanup at Redondo Beach, Roomba is the center's third octopus, following the successful releases of Pancake and Huckleberry into the wild. The center is committed to adhering to the guidelines of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, ensuring responsible care and monitoring of the octopus population. While visitors may spot Roomba, her nocturnal nature means she may prefer hiding during the day. Pacific red octopuses, like Roomba, are known to thrive in the waters from the Gulf of California to the Gulf of Alaska, reaching lengths of up to 20 inches.

As she grows, Roomba will eventually be moved to a larger 65-gallon tank to accommodate her needs. Once she displays signs of readiness to lay eggs, Harbor WildWatch will facilitate her release back into the wild, providing her with a den for optimal offspring survival. This initiative highlights the organization’s commitment to marine education and conservation efforts in the Salish Sea.