is there a chance of having a non-experiment pet from the zapper? I know it's all random but I've yet to get anything other than an experiment

Also I've heard of a mermaid-- though I can't remember her name-- showing up to offer a quest to get a hydrus pet. How can you find her?

There's actually two options with the zapper. It sounds like you've been using the guaranteed experiment option. It's the little checkbox where it asks you about paying 400k sP, but if you don't select that, then it's possible to get other results.

Merana is who you're thinking of for Hydrus pets! She shows up on the main explore map in one of the corners. I think it's random when she shows up, but I'm not completely sure how it works, to be honest.

thanks!! I guess I should have read the fine print. In the back of my mind, I assumed checking that box was agreeing to the fact that the zapper is "risky" and that I would be consenting to the dangers 😅

I'll keep an eye out for that pesky mermaid lol

If you search Merana in the groups, there's a ping group that lets you know when she's around!

You can see the sea witch when she in the waters of subeta on the main map^^ Likes to visit after the tempest storms and before the coda caves open.