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would a red devil work alone in a 55g

It would be a big enough tank until it matured. Reaching approximately 25/30cm, its a big enough and aggressive enough fish that requires a lot of space. Even if it was solitary in the tank, I feel it would still not be large enough for such a boisterous fish.

i have a 75g that when mature it could go into

Yeah It would work out fine because a buddy of mine has one in there for 3 years

If it is a true Red Devil, then the 75 would be fine. If it is a more common midas/devil hybrid, the fish could become cramped as it gets larger. Or it may be more appropriate to say the fish would grow larger in a larger tank, meaning in the 75 it may be slightly stunted. I wouldn't go so far as to say it would be stunted enough to make it unhealthy. Also remember that most fish will grow larger, imo, in a tank than they will in the wild.

From what I've read, the true A. labiatus will not usually exceed 11-12", but true A. citrinellus can reach 14-16" if not slightly larger. Hybrids of the 2 could grow anywhere in between or even slightly larger than the midas.

Bottom line is I don't think the 55 would be suitable for life, the 75 would be ok but a 5'-6' tank would be optimal. Not many people, however, will devote a 6' tank to a single fish or a pair.

Jason