Lowndes County, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Researchers at the University of Alabama unveiled a newly identified crab species, Costacopluma nicksabani, known as the Saban crab, found in Lowndes County. This discovery honors the contributions of Alabama football coach Nick Saban. The fossils, dating back 65 million years, include nearly 200 specimens of this species among a total of 354 collected. The research highlights the area’s rich fossil record and the existence of marine life after the mass extinction event caused by a meteorite impact.
Lowndes County
Researchers at the University of Alabama announced on Thursday that an ancient crab species discovered in Lowndes County will be named Costacopluma nicksabani, commonly referred to as the Saban crab. This naming honors University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban for his significant contributions to Alabama football, including six national titles and nine SEC championships from 2007 to 2023.
The lead author of the study, Adiel Klompmaker, emphasized Saban’s positive impact through his philanthropic work with the Nick’s Kids Foundation. The fossils were discovered at a site along the roadcut for Mussel Creek in Lowndes County, with research conducted between 2010 and 2024. A total of 354 fossils belonging to decapod crustaceans were collected, with the Saban crab being the most abundant, contributing nearly 200 fossils to the find.
The fossils date back roughly 65 million years, shortly after a meteorite impact that caused a mass extinction event, eliminating around 75% of Earth’s species, including non-flying dinosaurs. The crab species is part of a group known to have survived catastrophic events, with some of their relatives still present today.
Researchers noted that the site where the fossils were found has yielded a rich collection of both crabs and other marine organisms, including vertebrates like sharks and turtles. The study, which identifies a total of eight new species of crabs and shrimp, was published in the journal Geodiversitas on September 22.
Saban, who will be celebrated during the upcoming College GameDay event at Alabama, has already been honored with a statue outside Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Saban crab species lived on or in the ocean floor environment, which was present in Alabama when it was submerged underwater millions of years ago.
George Martin, an amateur paleontologist and researcher, expressed pride in the ongoing discoveries at the site that has produced multiple new species. The fossils of the Saban crab are small, comparable in size to a dime, and were found mostly in a shell form rather than complete specimens. This discovery adds to the understanding of prehistoric marine life and highlights the historical significance of the Lowndes County site as a fossil-rich area.
Key Features of the Saban Crab Discovery
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Species Name | Costacopluma nicksabani (Saban crab) |
| Location of Discovery | Lowndes County, Alabama |
| Date of Fossil Discovery | 2010-2024 |
| Fossils Collected | 354 fossil specimens |
| Abundance | Nearly 200 fossils of Saban crab |
| Age of Fossils | Approximately 65 million years |
| Published Study Date | September 22 |
| National Titles Won by Saban | 6 |
| SEC Championships Won by Saban | 9 |
FAQ Section
What is the scientific name of the Saban crab?
Costacopluma nicksabani
Where was the Saban crab discovered?
Lowndes County, Alabama
How many fossils were collected from the site?
A total of 354 fossils belonging to decapod crustaceans were collected.
How many fossils belonged to the Saban crab?
Nearly 200 fossils of the Saban crab were found.
What is the estimated age of the Saban crab fossils?
The fossils date back roughly 65 million years.
When was the study identifying the Saban crab published?
The study was published in the journal Geodiversitas on September 22.
How many national titles has Nick Saban won?
Nick Saban has won six national titles.
How many SEC championships has Nick Saban won?
Nick Saban has won nine SEC championships.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- ABC3340
- Wikipedia: Nick Saban
- Miami Herald
- Google Search: Saban crab discovery
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: Saban crab
- AOL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crabs
- Tuscaloosa Thread
- Google News: crab nicksabani
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
