New Crab Species Discovered at University of Alabama

Even though Nick Saban is no longer the head coach of the University of Alabama football team, his influence is still felt on campus.

But this isn’t about football. Instead, it centers on newly identified species of ancient crabs.

Faculty members at the University named a crab species after Saban, recognizing his legacy. Saban is known for discovering these ancient species and leading the Crimson Tide to six national championships.

A team from the university has uncovered several fossilized remains of ancient crabs and shrimp in central Alabama, one of which bears Saban’s name. The official designation of the crab is Costa Copurma Nixavani, but it’s often referred to as the Saban Crab.

The discovery was made in Rounds County, Alabama, and these creatures are thought to have lived between 48 and 87 million years ago. Remarkably, this crab species likely withstood the meteor impacts that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs nearly 66 million years ago.

The species’ name not only celebrates Saban’s impressive record with the Crimson Tide from 2007 to 2023 but also highlights his ongoing dedication to the Kids Foundation, which has had a positive effect on children in Alabama and beyond.

Among around 200 specimens discovered, the Costa Copurma Nixavani was the most prevalent. The research also revealed additional species, including another new crab, two other types of crabs, a yabbie crab, and three types of pit shrimp, indicating a rich diversity of ancient decapod crustaceans.