New Crab Species Named After Alabama Football Coach

Q: What is the new crab species named after Nick Saban?

Costacopluma nicksabani is the new crab species named after Nick Saban, recognizing his achievements in college football and his charitable work.

Lowndes County, Alabama, October 7, 2025

News Summary

A new crab species, Costacopluma nicksabani, has been named after Alabama football coach Nick Saban in honor of his achievements. The species was discovered from fossilized remains found in Lowndes County, Alabama, revealing a rich history dating back 65 million years. The find highlights the survival of resilient crustaceans post-mass extinction and adds to the diverse fossil record of the area, which includes over a thousand specimens. This study has garnered attention, particularly alongside Saban’s recent public comments about Vanderbilt University.

Lowndes County, Alabama – Nick Saban, the renowned football coach of the University of Alabama, has been honored with a new crab species named after him, Costacopluma nicksabani. The naming recognizes Saban’s impressive achievements, which include winning six national championships and nine Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships, as well as his impactful charitable work through the Nick’s Kids Foundation.

The discovery of the new crab species comes from a research project that revealed fossilized remains of 354 crab specimens in Lowndes County, Alabama, collected over a period from 2010 to 2024. A study detailing this significant finding was published on September 22 in the journal Geodiversitas.

The fossils were primarily found in mudstones and limestones at the Mussel Creek roadcut, where both loose specimens were discovered on the surface and others embedded in the rock. Almost 200 fossils of the newly named “Saban crab” were collected, thereby making it the most abundant species unearthed at the site.

These crabs date back approximately 65 million years to a time shortly after a major meteorite impact that caused a mass extinction event. While many species vanished during this catastrophic event, hardy decapod crustaceans like these crabs managed to survive and continue to thrive in present-day Alabama.

Additionally, the fossil site in Lowndes County has yielded over 1,000 specimens, which include not only crabs but also various vertebrates such as sharks, rays, crocodilians, and turtles, in addition to other invertebrate species. The study’s author, George Martin, has spent about 15 years collecting fossils from this unique site and has noted the wide variety of specimens available in the area.

The research team consisted of Martin and several colleagues, including Adiël A. Klompmaker, Matúš Hyžný, Andrew R. Bowman, George E. Phillips, and Roger W. Portell. While the discovery of the Saban crab has garnered attention, Saban has also been in the news for publicly apologizing for his previous comments regarding Vanderbilt University. His remarks, which were made before a matchup, may have inadvertently motivated Vanderbilt, resulting in their victory over the then-top-ranked Alabama team for the first time since 1984.

Furthermore, Alabama’s struggles in the 2024 season highlighted this outcome, which led to the team being kept out of the College Football Playoff. However, the Alabama Crimson Tide has since rebounded with improved performances as the 2025 season progresses, following a recommendation to learn from their loss to Florida State in Week 1.

In summary, the combination of both the naming of Costacopluma nicksabani and recent occurrences highlights the growth and challenges faced by Nick Saban and the Alabama football program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new crab species named after Nick Saban?

Costacopluma nicksabani is the new crab species named after Nick Saban, recognizing his achievements in college football and his charitable work.

Where and when were the crab fossils discovered?

Fossilized crabs were discovered in Lowndes County, Alabama, between 2010 and 2024.

What does the discovery of the new crab species signify?

The discovery signifies the survival of hardy decapod crustaceans around 65 million years ago after a mass extinction event, showcasing the rich fossil history of Alabama.

Key Features of the New Crab Species Discovery

Feature	Details
Species Name	Costacopluma nicksabani
Location of Discovery	Lowndes County, Alabama
Years of Discovery	2010 – 2024
Number of Fossils Collected	354
Age of Fossils	Approximately 65 million years
Research Team	George Martin and colleagues
Published Study	Geodiversitas

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HERE Resources

Ancient Crab Species Discovered in Lowndes County