My oranda has another fish stuck in its mouth

Question
Matthew,
I am really at a loss for what to do with my red capped oranda, Hotlips Houlihan.  She has swallowed the algae eater, Rosie, whole.  Hotlips is not an aggressive fish at all and Rosie typically keeps to herself so I am baffled as to how this happened.  I am not sure if Rosie is still alive but her tail is sticking out of Hotlips' mouth.  I first noticed this on Tuesday night when I came home from work so it must have happened between 7 am and 7 pm.  We have tried (unsuccessfully) to pull Rosie out of Hotlips' mouth but I am afraid we will rip Hotlips' head off if we pull too hard.  That fish does not want to come out!  Hotlips is swimming around just fine for the most part but is clearly stressed and will probably starve to death.  Do you have any suggestions for me as to how I might save Hotlips from herself, I have less hope for Rosie.  I also have photos of this if that is helpful.
Thanks,
Melissa

Answer
Hi Melissa,


I would go ahead and try to get her out of there. Try twisting it as you pull. If you can get it out, just wait and see what happens.

Let me know how it goes, as this is probobly the most interesting question that i have had to answer as of yet.


Thanks,
   ~Matt