UPDATE:
So it’s day 2 and Kratos has been a LOT better, activity levels through the roof and he’s immediately at the front of the tank when he sees me. He’s looking great and his color has improved since.
One teeny tiny problem though- he still refuses the pellets but chomps down on the flakes. It’s a bit odd cause he prefers floating food, goes after the pellets immediately then spits it out, tries it again, then spits it out. Repeats like 3-4 times and then ignores it completely. The flakes, he goes after the ones floating on the surface but the ones that start to sink he ignores. Weirdest eater I’ve ever had lol.
Maybe I can try starving him for a couple days and see if he gives in? If that doesn’t work then do the garlic trick?