A video shot in North Alabama captured a moment of water combat among three male cottonmouths.

The footage was shot in early June by Claire Ciafre, botanist in residence at Herpetology at Austin Peay State University. The 1 minute, 23 second video shows three snakes bobbing and weaving in what appears to be an elaborate dance.

Experts said the “fight” is used by the snakes to establish dominance, with the victor having the best chance to reproduce with female snakes in the area.