Barred Red Devil Nuchal Hump Shrinking?

[rabid_bp]

I have a single barred red devil cichlid housed in a 110 gallon aquarium. As seen in the first photo, taken when I got the fish 6 months ago, it has a rather large nuchal hump. The second picture is the same exact fish 6 months later: it has massively improved colors and has grown around 2 inches, but the nuchal hump is practically non-existent anymore. I wonder: is this because the fish has no competition anymore? At the fish store, the fish had another large cichlid next to it, separated by a divider. I would like to put a focus on re-growing the nuchal hump. I think maybe putting a pair of convict cichlids into the tank would allow the red devil to become the "boss" of the tank again. Any other ideas on how to grow the nuchal hump? Any suggestions will help.

 

[HybridFinatic]

I would increase the amount of food you feed and/or frequency of feeding. Seems rather underfed and stunting growth.

 

[Toby_Hook]

I'd second the idea of adding the Convicts.

I once kept a pair of Trimacs with a handful of Convicts. I built a system of caves & tunnels that allowed the Convicts to escape and evade the Trimacs. It turned out to be, to this date, the favorite set up I've ever had. I'm currently planning the next rendition of it.

I'd also look into enhancing his diet. Throw in some earth worms, roaches, gut-loaded crickets. Spoil that little dude.

 

[Gershom]

I agree about the food—not looking real fat. Still, it’s a great looking fish! I like the bars AND the lack of hump. Still, I understand your preference.
But Barred Red Devil —is that a known variety? I never heard of it. We’ve got Barred Owls here…

 

[troublesum]

That is a Gold Barred Midas I had a 12in Male Awesome fish (mean bastard). The convicts might help but what he needs is a female or a competitor, But hence where the problems start. If you dont mind a divided tank then get him a female his hump will return.
I was dealing with the same problem with a 8in Female Festae i wanted to see her colors so i got very LUCKY and found a 10in male Midas who is infertile so he dosent really bother her to breed but he also is bigger then her so she really dont try to kill him