7 ways to tell if the fish you are buying is fresh

You are at the market, and the seller lifts a croaker from the basin and holds it up. It looks fine to you, and everyone around seems to be buying from the same stall. So you pay for it and head home, confident that you have picked up a fresh fish.

But looks can be deceiving. A fish can appear perfectly fine on the surface and still be past its best. Knowing how to spot the signs of freshness can save you from wasting money, ruining a meal, or even risking foodborne illness.

The next time you are shopping for fish, here are seven simple ways to tell whether what you are buying is truly fresh.

Check the eyes
One of the easiest ways to judge a fish’s freshness is by looking at its eyes. Fresh fish typically have bright, clear, and slightly bulging eyes. They should look moist rather than dry. If the eyes appear cloudy, sunken, or dull, the fish has likely been sitting around for a while. While this alone may not tell the whole story, it is often one of the first signs that a fish is no longer at its freshest.

Look at the gills
The gills can tell you a lot about the condition of a fish. Lift the gill cover if possible and inspect the colour underneath. Fresh fish usually have bright red or pink gills that appear moist and clean. As fish ages, the gills become darker, turning brown, grey, or even greenish. They may also become sticky. If the gills look faded or discoloured, it is best to move on to another fish.

Press the flesh
A quick touch test can reveal a lot. Gently press the fish with your finger, preferably around the thickest part of the body. Fresh fish should feel firm and spring back almost immediately after being pressed. If your finger leaves a dent that remains visible, the flesh is beginning to break down. Soft, mushy flesh is a strong indication that the fish is no longer fresh.

Trust your nose
Many people assume that fish should smell strongly fishy, but that is not actually the case. Fresh fish has a mild scent that is often compared to clean water or the ocean. The smell should not be overwhelming. If the fish has a sour, ammonia-like, or intensely fishy odour, that is a sign that it has started to spoil. When in doubt, trust your nose. It is often one of the most reliable indicators of freshness.

Examine the skin
The skin of a fresh fish should have a natural shine and appear moist. Depending on the species, the colours should still look vibrant and well-defined. Dull, dry, or faded skin can indicate that the fish has been stored for too long. While some fish naturally have less colourful skin than others, they should never look lifeless or dehydrated.

Check whether the scales are firmly attached

Scales can provide another clue about freshness. On a fresh fish, the scales should be intact and firmly attached to the skin. If scales are falling off easily with minimal handling, it may indicate that the fish is aging or has been handled poorly. Missing scales in a few spots are not always a problem, especially during transportation, but widespread scale loss should make you cautious.

Watch out for sliminess and discolouration
A thin, clear coating on fish skin is normal, but excessive slime is not. Fresh fish should not feel sticky or coated in thick mucus. You should also pay attention to the colour of the flesh. Bruising, dark patches, yellowing, or unusual spots can all be signs that the fish is no longer in good condition. The flesh should look clean, even in colour, and free from obvious damage.