I agree just be patient they will pair up on their own for sure and the females will definetly hold their own against any male of any size. One of the smallest females in my tank just had fry the other day ( she is less than 2 inches) and she chases off my 6 inch Jack Dempsey every time he even comes close to that end of the tank, so I definetly wouldn't be concerned about the male convicts.
