Marine Taxonomist · Reef Ecologist · Conservation Researcher
Post Doctoral Fellow at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. Specialising in marine taxonomy, coral reef biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation across the Arabian Gulf, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Andaman & Nicobar
Coral Reef
Lakshadweep
Invertebrates
New SpeciesAbout
I am a marine biologist and taxonomist currently serving as a Post Doctoral Fellow at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. With over twelve years of research experience, my work focuses on the taxonomy of polyclad flatworms, nudibranchs, sipunculids, and corals, alongside extensive coral reef monitoring across the Arabian Gulf, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
I have described 15 species new to science, contributed to biodiversity assessments, and supported conservation planning through IUCN Red List evaluations. Alongside research, I curate natural history specimens and engage in public outreach to share the importance of marine biodiversity.
My work bridges taxonomy, reef ecology, and conservation — aiming to advance scientific knowledge while inspiring the next generation of marine scientists.
Academic Background
Underwater Photography
Photographs taken across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and the Arabian Gulf — capturing the mesmerising beauty of marine flatworms, nudibranchs, corals, and reef ecosystems. Click any image to explore full-screen.
Taxonomic Discoveries
14 new species of Polyclads (Marine Flatworms) and one new species of Sipuncula described to science — several nudibranchs and flatworms also reported as new records for Indian waters.
Recognition
Research Output
Field Notes & Insights
Featured
Polyclad flatworms are among the most colourful and understudied invertebrates on coral reefs. In this post, I explore what 12 years of fieldwork across Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar, and the Arabian Gulf has revealed about their taxonomy, distribution, and ecological significance.
Reef Ecology
Coral reef health monitoring in the Arabian Gulf presents unique challenges — extreme temperatures, high salinity, and anthropogenic pressures. Here I share what 600+ dives have taught me about reef resilience.
Taxonomy
Describing a species new to science is far more rigorous than finding a creature that looks unfamiliar. From morphology to molecular data, here is the full process behind my 15 species descriptions.
Photography
Underwater macro photography is not just art — for taxonomists, a well-captured image can mean the difference between identifying a known species and discovering an entirely new one.
Fieldwork
Five years of long-term reef monitoring from aboard India's premier research vessel. What it takes to run scientific diving operations at sea and what we found beneath the Lakshadweep atolls.
Get in Touch
For collaborations, specimen identifications, or research inquiries, feel free to reach out. Always open to engaging in discussions on marine taxonomy, reef ecology, and biodiversity conservation.
Peer Reviewer For
Zootaxa · Bulletin of Marine Science · Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom