I just encountered Merana on the world map. I'd like a hydrus pet, but don't want to change any of my current ones, and can't decide what kind to try for. What kind do you think I should get? How long do I have before the opportunity expires, or does it stay there until you accept?

Top picks: harvester

• pros: I would like to have a harvester, just in general, because they're neat
• cons: the hydrus harvester art hasn't been updated since hydrus came out, I think? it's not the best

fester

• pros: cool pose, easy to get quickly
• cons: doesn't actually look terribly aquatic

devonti

• pros: well composed and interesting, easy to get
• cons: I don't really like any other variety of devonti and if I failed the quest I'd feel too guilty to adopt it out (though I could zap it?)

qrykee

• pros: it's a giant marine crocodilian, what's not to love
• cons: would have to obtain a qrykee quickly, slightly busy-looking

swampie

• pros: I like that it looks like it actually belongs in the water, kelp elements are cool, swampies are cool and it'd be cool to have one
• cons: would have to obtain a swampie quickly

Hi

I believe you have for as long as she's on the map, which doesn't last very long (maybe 24 hours-ish?). You'll need the pet available (and the right species) before you accept the request. The items she asks for usually are pretty cheap, so it doesn't take long to complete.

My personal favorite hydrus pets are Bhakoru, Escalade, and Legeica, but that's just me - it helps that they have updated art though! Of the ones you listed, I would recommend the qrykee or the swampie. As you said, they already have that "belong in the water" type look. The qrykee art is also pretty updated since it came out recently.

Qrykees are pretty easy to obtain - you just go to the Zapper and select the Adopt a Qrykee button at the bottom of the page. You can transform a pet or just create on fresh. For swampies, I'd recommend using a Swampie Elixir.

BTW, if you abandon a hydrus pet, they just return to the common color. If you adopt one out, however, they retain their color.

(P.S. If you want a harvester in general, there are so many better colors than hydrus. My personal favorites are harvest (Harvest Harvester!), storm (what a BA), and sweetheart.)

Thanks, this is all good to know!

I... feel a bit silly, having completely forgotten there were non-zappy ways to get a Qrykee or a Swampie. They're definitely my favorite options. So now the question is, which of the two?

EDIT: I went for the Qrykee. I have a ton of sP from doing quests anyway. Meet Mangal:

FURTHER EDIT: She's... still there? On the map? I clicked on her again, and it appears to be a new quest offer. ...I could get a swampie too, assuming this isn't a weird glitch.