How important are other crabs in the habitat?

[Irthryll]

So I've had my crab Hermie for 15 years, 14 of those years were in a habitat that would probably horrify some of you but in the last year I've spent around 200 dollars on upgrades. Hermie is an Large to XL PP and is now in a 20 gal with tons of stuff to climb on, proper pools, 80% humidity, and current 79 F temperature. Hermie has been a little slow and "depressed" the last day or two, I find this strange since I recently added a rainforest background cling and a heater to the side of the habitat as well as some river rocks in the habitat that I bought from the fish section at Petsmart so I thought he would be looking around but hes mostly been hiding and hanging out on his log. He hasn't eaten in around 30 hours though I suspect he's been nibbling on the moss. Is there anything I could do to brighten things up? I don't think I can get another crab as I am gone on weekends and am not there to watch, aside from the fact that he has been alone for 15 years as well and might have trouble associating with another crab. I don't really want to risk adopting and "saving' another persons crab only for Hermie to kill it or get killed itself anyway. Is there anything you guys think I could do?

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

I think a group is essential. I have found that crabs will sleep near each other and talk to each other frequently.

[GotButterflies]

Perhaps he is getting ready to molt? Sometimes crabs slow down before that happens.

Your hermit crab could also be stressed out from the change. Give him time to de-stress.

Many people keep their hermit crabs by themsleves. Jonathon Livingston Crab (the oldest captive living crab has lived by himself for a long time since Crab Kate passed away).

[HappyHermit0916]

I definitely recommend that you get some friends for your big guy!
We have an adoption section on here so maybe you could get them on here!

[curlysister]

If he has been alone for 15 years, I am not sure I would feel the need to introduce another crab. As GB said, many people keep single hermit crabs very successfully.

[Beckanai]

I'm very curious, have you posted pictures of your crabby? I would love to see how big your hermie is for having, had em for so long.
I'm not sure if I would want to add a friend if hes been alone for so long, I'd be worried, but that's my personal preference.