My Dojo needs help!

[Coolysd]

Hey y'all,
I just woke up and see that one of my Dojos has a zip tie wrapped around him! I'm just devastated right now I wanna cry!! I have no idea how to help him.
UPDATE: I took him to my LFS (which is actually where I purchased him and 4 others 2 years ago). The owner cut it off of him!! Hopefully he'll fully recover. So scary!

 

[connorlindeman]

How does that even happen?

 

[Coolysd]

It's crazy huh?! I have several small pieces of driftwood that I attached plants to using zip ties. I am very new to having real plants. I love them, they look great and of course benefit the tank. However, I just really suck at getting them in the tank. Doesn't matter if I'm "planting" or "attaching" them. It's always a frustrating experience. So apparently I didn't attach the plant to the wood tight enough. I have black sand so I didn't even see it. The only thing I can think of is maybe while digging in the sand. Everyone was good last night. Today was going to be maintenance day.
I feel so sick to my stomach . My heart is breaking .

 

[TNG]

I'd net it then hold it gently but firmly while it's still in the net, then use a pair of diagonal cutting pliers to cut the cable tie. I would NOT use scissors.
The fish could live like that for a while, I wouldn't panic.

 

[Innesfan]

In addiiton to @TNG 's excellent suggestion, you might find an extra pair of hands helpful--one person holds fish, one person operates the cutting pliers.