Resident Ghanshyam Prasad Bhanware records a fight for catfish between two hungry snakes in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh state on July 19.

The catfish grabs a checkered keelback’s head with its tail locked in the second snake’s jaws. It struggled with two snakes for 30 minutes in that suspended position.

Intense Showdown: Two Voracious Snakes Engage in a Thrilling Battle over a Live Catfish, Leaving Spectators Spellbound by the Unexpected Conclusion. SN - Malise

According to Bhanware, the first snake pulled the catfish out of the lake just before its companions emerged and grabbed the tail.

“The fish has a very strong will to survive. This is the first time I have seen a fish fight with two snakes at the same time,” Bhanware said.

Intense Showdown: Two Voracious Snakes Engage in a Thrilling Battle over a Live Catfish, Leaving Spectators Spellbound by the Unexpected Conclusion. SN - Malise

Finally, the snake below was exhausted and fell into the water. The other snake also slithered away a few minutes later when the catfish began to struggle. The fish survived and swam away.

Intense Showdown: Two Voracious Snakes Engage in a Thrilling Battle over a Live Catfish, Leaving Spectators Spellbound by the Unexpected Conclusion. SN - Malise

The checkered keelback is a non-venomous snake that is common in creeks and swamps throughout Asia.

Their body is usually olive brown with dark cells. This water snake can grow to 50 – 75 cm long, and specializes in eating frogs, fish and reptile eggs.