Large sub adult / adult Jack Dempsey

[Deadeye]

I wouldn’t do tiger barbs - they have a tendency to kill each other off more than they actually school.
I use Buenos Aires tetras with mine and he leaves them alone.
I agree that especially while young, you will want a lot of floating cover or tall plants to hide in.
Wood, rocks, or pots all work for cover as long as the fish can completely hide behind.

 

[Cal Amari]

You could also try scattering some dark sand or pebbles over the sandy bottom to darken his colors some