Judges Panel

Arjan Basu Roy’s interest in Biodiversity has taken him to different corners of India. Documenting and learning different biotopes and wetland conservation are his main fields of expertise. He has ncontributed immensely towards wetland conservation and is the Founder Secretary of Nature Mates-Nature Club. Sundarban’s Fish diversity is one of his pet areas of interest.

Beta Mahatvaraj, an aquarium enthusiast based out of Chennai has been documenting Indian freshwater fishes and their habitats through photographs and videos. He has been regularly contributing content for various publications targeting both the scientific community and aquarists as well as conducting workshops on fish photography. He is particularly passionate about educating the general public on India’s fish diversity and the need to conserve their habitats.

Sundararajan has a passion for aquarium keeping, specifically with a focus on cichlid breeding and creating perfect biotope aquariums. His interest in this area has led him to become a professional aquascaper. His love for biotope aquariums has led him to create stunning underwater landscapes that accurately replicate the natural habitats of cichlids and other fish species. By carefully selecting the right plants, rocks and substrate, he can create a truly immersive experience that transports the viewer into the world of these beautiful fish.

Shankar Balasubramanian is renowned for his unlimited passion for Indian Native Fishes and their habitats. His love towards this hobby began quite early as a kid. It kept pulling him deeper as time went by. With so many species to get in the LFS, as opposed to so less to watch the wild species in the water bodies got him more inclined to Indian fish species. His wish list to find and document native fish species in the habitat seemed never ending and the bucket list just kept adding up over time. He had travelled across our country looking for fishes which one could only dream of.

Pabitra Paul is a Geographer with an extensive knowledge of subcontinental topography, water bodies and fish habitats. Along with that he has a vast experience of freshwater fish keeping and of creating biotope tanks. Pirates’ Den and IBAC 2023 are really privileged to have him as one of the judges of this biotope competition.

Agni Mitra, Regional Deputy Director (Eastern Region), Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India is an avid aquarist who has excelled in keeping different species of fishes for more than three decades. He is also keenly interested in wildlife Conservation. Pirates’ Den and IBAC 2023 are really proud to have him as one of the judges of this competition.