[helene schoubye]

First of all, – P. parvulus is one of the species which is not represented in great numbers, and for this reason it is always good to try. As you say, its quite certain that you will be able to provide better for them than where they are now, or where they may accidentially end up.
Second, – yes, they are often described as one of the more difficult. I dont find that actually, – breeding may be more difficult.
I find that they respond really well, in particular with regards to breeding, with a very low ph – 4, – 4.5. This is a challenge, untill you learn it 🙂 It certainly was for me. Untill I discovered this ‘Eichen extract’ (german word), which lowers the ph effectively.
Once there, I dont see any differences between parvulus and most other species. They seem to me to be ‘slower’ in development, it takes a much longer before they are fully grown as f.ex. linkei or nagyi. And I have not a lot of fry, but now and then a batch of 4-5 eggs develop.
If you want to try, take at least 6 or even more, – its not unlikely – as often with wildcaught fish, there may be some deaths, – but some are strong and will maybe thrive.
My parvulus are in 12 liters, and if you have a good deal of hornwood, or javamoss, – you can have 6 in there untill you know males from females, – they dont need a lot of space, 20 liter would probably be max size for 6. And provide good shelter, cave, leaves etc. And keep the water totally soft, and in a low ph, – then I am sure you will be able to keep parvulus as well as any other species. Its worth trying at least 🙂
I find the species extremely charming and interesting.