I, Dr. Angsuman Chanda, B. Sc (Gold Medallist), M. Sc (Gold Medallist), Ph. D., FISCA, FSASS, is an Associate Professor of Zoology, Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Raja N. L. Khan Women’s College (Autonomous, NAAC Accredited –third cycle ‘A’ Grade, NIRF rank-73), affiliated under Vidyasagar University, Midnapur, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India. I was a research scholar of Zoological Survey of India and well trained on taxonomic works, especially on crustacean fauna. I have written 13 text books, six book chapters, published 83 research papers in Nationally & Internationally reputed Journals and attended more than 50 National & International Seminars. The author is engaged in teaching UG & PG students as well as perusing research work with keen interest on penaeid fishery, taxonomy and ecology from Indian water since last two decades. I have completed one Minor Research Project entitled “Freshwater prawn (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) diversity of Paschim Medinipur”, funded by University Grant Commission (UGC), Government of India [Ref. No. F. PSW-148/09-10(ERO), Dt. October 08, 2009] and a Major Research Project entitled “Small Indigenous Fish, Prawn, Crab & Molluscs of Paschim Medinipur, their protein value, food security and conservation of biodiversity for village people”, also funded by UGC, Government of India [Ref. No. F. 42-610/2013 (SR) dt 22.03.2013]. Presently I am engaged in development of conservation strategies for small indigenous freshwater fish fauna of both edible and ornamental species, found in semi arid zone of West Bengal and established a centre entitled “Indigenous Freshwater Fish Conservation Centre” in our college premises at Midnapur in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. At present I am conducting two major research projects simultaneously. First one is entitled, “ Diversity of ornamental fishes with special reference to quantification, marketing and livelihood of Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur and Jhargram Districts”, funded by West Bengal Biodiversity Board, Government of West Bengal [Reference No. 537/3K(Bio)-5/2018; Dated 26.06.2018. The second one entitled, “Application of aquarium management technology for selected indigenous freshwater threatened fish with potential ornamental value, found in Paschim Medinipur and Jhargram Districts: A conservational strategy and better livelihood for rural people”, funded by Department of Science and Technology & Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal [sanction No. 350(Sanc.)/ST/P/S&T/17G-13/2018]. Described three new species of penaeid prawn namely Penaeus similis (Chanda & Bhattacharia, 2002), Penaeus konkani (Chanda & Bhattacharya,2003) and Parapenaeopsis longirostris Chanda & Bhattacharia, 2004 from Indian water. I have also described a new mudskipper fish, named Apocryptes caudalis Paul & Chanda, 2015 from West Bengal, India.
Presently guiding six Ph. D. Scholars, five scholars through Natural and Applied Science research centre established in Raja N. L. Khan Women’s College (Autonomous) under Vidyasagar University and one scholar is pursuing his Ph. D. work in joint guidance with Dr. B. Mandal, Associate Professor of Fishery Science, Vidyasagar University. Two scholars were awarded their Ph. D. Degree from Vidyasagar University. Among the existing six scholars one is submitted and another one is going to submit her thesis.