Flowerhorn lost personality

[Peach02]

I recently upgraded my 20cm flowerhorn to a 150g (5’2’2) and initially he kept all his personality, chased my fingers watched me across the room, slow but enthusiastic eating etc

however yesterday I added a 30cm gold spot pleco to the tank and after some initial fighting they’ve accepted eachother however my flowerhorn isn’t anywhere near as interactive anymore, he occasionally follows finger but very slowly and less enthusiastic about eating.

Is this somthing that’s likely to get better in a few days / a week or will he be like this as long as there is another fish in the tank? Any ideas how to bring his personality back without removing pleco or should I try moving the pleco on, could adding another hinding place or two help or just make it worse?

 

[Deadeye]

After being alone so long it may just be stressed with the new addition. Give it some time.
Extra hiding spots may make it feel more secure.

 

[xenacanth9]

+1

 

[RD.]

Don't be surprised if your FH resolves the issue for you, by killing the pleco.

 

[duanes]

When you keep any cichlid alone, you will be its only focus.
Adding another fish, be it dither type, Pleco's, or another (especially) cichlid, that focus can shift from either a little away from you, to totally ignoring your existence

 

[RD.]

duanes - so great to see you finally taking an interest in flowerhorns!

 

[Peach02]

Don't be surprised if your FH resolves the issue for you, by killing the pleco.

I know there’s a risk of this but the aggression has died down and I’m able to seperate them if it picks up again

When you keep any cichlid alone, you will be its only focus.
Adding another fish, be it dither type, Pleco's, or another (especially) cichlid, that focus can shift from either a little away from you, to totally ignoring your existence

was worried about this but was hoping it wouldn’t be this severe since pleco’s are a ground dweller

update: I added another hiding place and he’s starting to come around again and aggression has died down but still not back to normal yet. Thanks for the responses so far everyone