4 Ways To Tell If Fish Has Gone Bad - WikiHow

Home » How To Tell If Fish Is Bad » 4 Ways To Tell If Fish Has Gone Bad - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Is Your Fish Good to Eat? Signs of Spoilage & Storage Tips PDF download Download Article How to use the sell-by date and other signs of spoilage to stay safe 7 Recipe Ratings | Success Stories Co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: September 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Checking the Sell-By Date
    • |
  • How to Tell if Fish is Bad
    • |
  • How long does fish last?
    • |
  • Identifying Expired Salmon
    • |
  • What to Do with Bad Fish
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 870,075 times.

You pull a filet of fresh fish out of the fridge, ready to make a delicious supper, when you notice the fish looks off. Has it gone bad? If the sell-by date was a couple of days ago, is it still okay to use? When it comes to fish, it’s very important to ensure its freshness is intact, as eating spoiled fish can make you sick. In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if fish has gone bad, from reading the sell-by date to looking for signs.

How do you know if fish has gone bad?

Fish has gone bad if it’s 1 or 2 days past the sell-by date on the packaging. This indicates that the fish’s freshness is gone and the meat has expired. Other signs include cloudy eyes, a slimy coating, a sour smell, mushiness, or discoloration. Discard spoiled fish and sanitize any surfaces it has touched.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Checking the Fish Sell-By Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Toss refrigerated raw fish 2 days after the sell-by date. 1 Toss refrigerated raw fish 2 days after the sell-by date. Raw fish doesn’t last very long in a refrigerator and begins to go bad soon after the sell-by date. Look for the sell-by date on the packaging. If more than 1 or 2 days have passed since that date, throw the fish out.[1]
    • If you’d like to delay the expiration of refrigerated fish, put it in the freezer. Frozen fish can last indefinitely if kept at 0 °F (−18 °C) but is best used within 3 to 8 months.
    • If the fish has a use-by date rather than a sell-by date, avoid keeping the fish past that date. “Use-by” indicates that fish will begin to spoil if it’s not eaten by the printed date.[2]
  2. Step 2 Keep cooked fish in your fridge for 3 to 4 days past the sell-by date. 2 Keep cooked fish in your fridge for 3 to 4 days past the sell-by date. If you’ve bought cooked fish (or cooked your own ) and then stored it in the fridge in an airtight container, it will keep longer than raw fish. If you haven’t eaten the fish after 3 to 4 past the sell-by date, though, discard it.[3]
    • If you know in advance that you’re not going to use the cooked fish before it expires, put it in the freezer to delay the expiration.
    • To refrigerate cooked fish, place the fish in an airtight container or bag and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
    • If you plan to discard the fish’s original packaging once it’s cooked and then refrigerate it, write down the sell-by date so you don’t forget it.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Keep frozen fish for 3 to 8 months past the sell-by date. 3 Keep frozen fish for 3 to 8 months past the sell-by date. Whether raw or cooked, frozen fish lasts much longer than refrigerated fish. Cooked frozen fish can last up to 3 months, and raw frozen fish lasts up to 8 months.[4]
    • To freeze fish: Wrap the pieces of meat in a layer of plastic wrap or place them in an airtight plastic bag.[5]
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

How to Tell if Fish is Bad

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Look for a slimy coating on raw fish. 1 Look for a slimy coating on raw fish. As fish ages and begins to go bad, its outer surface will become wetter and eventually develop a thin layer of slime. This is a good sign that your fish has already started to spoil. Once the fish has fully spoiled, the slimy moisture on the meat will feel thick and slippery to the touch.[6]
    • Cooked fish will not develop a slimy coating, even after it’s started to go bad.
  2. Step 2 Bad raw or cooked fish has a pungent, fishy aroma. 2 Bad raw or cooked fish has a pungent, fishy aroma. All fish—raw or cooked—smells like fish. However, refrigerated fish that has started to go bad will have an increasingly fishy smell. If given enough time, this potent fish smell will develop into the putrid smell of rotting meat.[7]
    • As fish continues to spoil, its pungent fish smell will grow stronger and stronger. It’s best to discard fish as soon as it starts to smell “off.”
  3. Step 3 Spoiled raw fish has a milky color. 3 Spoiled raw fish has a milky color. Fish meat is typically light pink or white in color, with a thin, clear film of liquid. As fresh or refrigerated fish ages and begins to go bad, the meat will take on a glossy, milky color. The milky parts of the fish may also take on a blue- or gray-ish tint.[8]
    • If you’ve already cooked your fish, it won’t develop a milky color. This sign of expiration applies only to raw fish.
    • If you have a whole fish, the eyeballs will also look cloudy if it's gone bad.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Tell if Fish Has Gone Bad 4 If frozen fish has freezer burn, it’s likely bad. If you’ve kept fish in the freezer for over 9 months, it may begin showing signs of freezer burn. Look for crystallized peaks of ice that have formed on the surface of the fish, and note any discolored patches as well.[9]
    • Freezer-burned food is still technically edible, and it will not make you sick. However, fish will lose most of its flavor and take on a grainy texture as freezer burn sets in.[10]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

How long can fish last in the fridge or freezer?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Fish can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. 1 Fish can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Raw fish typically lasts between 1 and 2 days, especially if it’s fresh, whereas cooked fish can be stored for 3 to 4 days. Aim to keep fish in a refrigerator that’s 40 °F (4 °C) or less for the best results.[11]
  2. Step 2 Fish can last up to 8 months in the freezer. 2 Fish can last up to 8 months in the freezer. While fish can last in the freezer indefinitely, it will lose texture and taste over time. Because of this, it’s best to freeze cooked fish for up to 3 months and raw fish for up to 8 months. Try to keep your frozen fish at 0 °F (−18 °C) or less for best storing results.[12]
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

How to Know If Salmon Has Gone Bad

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Note if the white lines in the meat disappear. 1 Note if the white lines in the meat disappear. Salmon, unlike most other kinds of fish, is well known for the thin white lines that separate the layers or flakes of its meat. These lines indicate that the fish is still fresh and edible. If you notice that these white lines have disappeared—or if they’ve turned to a more gray color—the salmon has likely gone bad.[13]
  2. Step 2 Press the salmon to see if it’s still firm. 2 Press the salmon to see if it’s still firm. Edible, fresh salmon should be firm to the touch. If salmon in your refrigerator has become squishy, mushy, or unexpectedly soft in texture, it’s likely expired.[14]
    • The white lines between flakes of salmon can indicate its firmness in addition to its freshness. Once the lines have faded, the meat is all but guaranteed to be mushy.
  3. Step 3 Inspect the salmon for discolored spots on the meat. 3 Inspect the salmon for discolored spots on the meat. Unlike other types of fish, salmon will develop discolorations as it ages and begins to go bad. Look over the surface of the meat. If you see any spots that are not the healthy pink color of most salmon, your fish has likely expired.[15]
    • Most of the discolorations you’ll find on salmon will be dark. However, spoiled salmon can also have small white-ish patches.
    4. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

What to Do with Bad Fish

PDF download Download Article
  1. Throw bad fish out and disinfect surfaces as soon as possible. Throw bad fish out and disinfect surfaces as soon as possible. If you notice that your fish is bad, toss it out and wash your hands immediately. Fish (especially spoiled fish) can have bacteria and parasites that can make you sick, so always be diligent. Wash all surfaces and items the fish may have touched.[16]
    • If the fish is exceptionally stinky, place the meat in a second plastic or sealable bag before placing it in the trash can. Alternatively, you can discard the fish in an outdoor trash can to avoid any odors.

Signs Fish Has Gone Bad: Cheat Sheet

Signs Fish Has Gone Bad

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Is cooked fish that smells of ammonia safe to eat? Community Answer Community Answer As long as the flesh is still firm and the skin is shiny rather than slimy, the fish is still fine to cook and eat. If your seafood smells overpoweringly of ammonia, or is mushy, slimy or otherwise questionable, discard it. It is better to be safe than sorry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 46
  • Question Why does my cod have an ammonia taste after I just cooked it? Community Answer Community Answer Sprinkle salt all over on your cod before you cook/bake/grill/fry it. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Then rinse and cook as usual. The salt will draw out any unwanted bad tastes and bring out the best of its flavor. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 37
  • Question Why does my cooked salmon have a pungent smell? Community Answer Community Answer Fresh salmon has a mild scent, so if yours smells pungent or ammonia-like, it's probably bad. You can also inspect the surface for a white, translucent skin. If you see a milky film on your salmon, get rid of it. You'll know cooked salmon is bad if it has a foul odor and slimy texture. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Commercially canned fish can last for up to 5 years in the pantry, while homemade canned fish can last 1 year.[17] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • When in doubt, throw out fish you think may have gone bad. It’s not worth the risk of developing a case of food poisoning. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Know if Salmon Is BadTelltale Signs That Salmon Has Spoiled Know if Meat Is BadHow to Know if Meat Is Bad (& How to Prevent Spoilage) Tell if Steak Is BadHow to Tell If Raw, Frozen, or Cooked Steak Has Spoiled Tell if Shrimp Is BadHow to Tell If Shrimp Has Gone Bad: Raw, Cooked & Frozen Tell if Bacon Is BadHow to Check if Your Bacon is Spoiled (And How to Keep it Fresh) Tell if Chicken Is Bad4 Ways to Tell if Chicken has Gone Bad Tell if Ham Is BadHow Long Does Ham Last? Tips for Storage and More Tell if Ground Beef Has Gone BadSpoiled Ground Beef: How to Identify and Prevent It 5 Warning Signs That Pork Has Gone Bad How toStore Cooked Salmon Tell if Spinach Is BadQuick and Easy Ways to Tell if Your Spinach Went Bad Freeze Raw SalmonHow toFreeze Raw Salmon Tell if an Egg is Bad4 Signs That an Egg Is Bad (According to an Expert) Tell if Mushrooms Are BadHow to Tell if Mushrooms Are Spoiled: How Long Do They Last? Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish
  2. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating#
  3. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish
  4. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish
  5. ↑ https://www.fieldandstream.com/stories/cooking/seven-tips-for-freezing-fish
  6. ↑ https://www.fao.org/4/ac061e/AC061E34.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.fao.org/4/ac061e/AC061E34.htm
  8. ↑ https://www.fao.org/4/ac061e/AC061E34.htm
  9. ↑ https://globalnews.ca/news/3649115/how-to-tell-if-the-food-in-your-freezer-has-gone-bad/
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety
  2. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish
  3. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish
  4. ↑ https://www.simplyhealthyfamily.org/signs-spoiled-salmon/
  5. ↑ https://www.simplyhealthyfamily.org/signs-spoiled-salmon/
  6. ↑ https://www.simplyhealthyfamily.org/signs-spoiled-salmon/
  7. ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/safe-selection-and-handling-fish-and-shellfish
  8. ↑ https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-store-fish

About This Article

Ollie George Cigliano Co-authored by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator This article was co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. This article has been viewed 870,075 times. 7 votes - 85% Co-authors: 10 Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 870,075 Categories: Fish and Seafood Article SummaryX

To tell if fish has gone bad, touch your raw fish to see if it’s slimy, which happens when fish starts to spoil. You can also smell your fish. If it has an increasingly fishy smell or starts to smell like rotten meat, it has gone bad. You can look at your fish, too. Your fresh fish will be light pink or white, but if your fish starts to look glossy or milky, or has a bluish or grayish tint, it’s bad. Looking at salmon? If it’s no longer firm or doesn’t have its typical white lines, don’t eat it! To learn how to tell if fish has gone bad by reading sell-by dates on packages, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Chinese Spanish Korean German Italian Portuguese Indonesian Vietnamese Russian Thai Hindi Arabic Dutch Persian French Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 870,075 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Toni Starostka

    Toni Starostka

    Sep 18, 2022

    "I wasn't able to cook a piece of cod by the recommended date, but it looked fine and no odor whatsoever. This..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ollie George Cigliano Co-authored by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator Co-authors: 10 Updated: September 4, 2025 Views: 870,075 85% of voters found this recipe helpful. 7 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote Toni Starostka

Toni Starostka

Sep 18, 2022

"I wasn't able to cook a piece of cod by the recommended date, but it looked fine and no odor whatsoever. This..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 22, 2017

"Description of how the fish will look as it ages, e.g., a milky layer and less pink, was helpful." Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 18, 2023

"Helpful advice. I know how to check my fish now!" Shelby Cat

Shelby Cat

Aug 24, 2020

"Very descriptive and helpful. Thank you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Is Your Egg Bad?Is Your Egg Bad?How Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizTake QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake QuizWhat Fish Am I QuizWhat Fish Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Know if Salmon Is BadTelltale Signs That Salmon Has SpoiledKnow if Meat Is BadHow to Know if Meat Is Bad (& How to Prevent Spoilage)Tell if Steak Is BadHow to Tell If Raw, Frozen, or Cooked Steak Has SpoiledTell if Shrimp Is BadHow to Tell If Shrimp Has Gone Bad: Raw, Cooked & Frozen

Featured Articles

Dress for WinterHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever Ideas Give Someone a Great GiftHow to Give Someone a Great GiftWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big ForeheadsThe Best Hairstyles for Guys with Big Foreheads22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks22 Best Ideas for Scary (and Funny) Pranks

Trending Articles

How Much Do I Mog QuizHow Much Do I Mog QuizHow Weird Am I QuizHow Weird Am I QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizAm I Annoying QuizAm I Annoying QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like QuizWhat Would My Life At Camp Half-Blood Be Like Quiz

Featured Articles

Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreHow to Text Yourself: Fake Text Messages, Reminders, and MoreAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeAccurate Omegaverse Quiz: 100% GuaranteeThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for AdultsThe Hardest & Most Difficult Riddles for Adults Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestHow to Be More Spontaneous and Enjoy Life to the FullestImprove Your PersonalityHow toImprove Your PersonalitySigns You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)Signs You Were Meant For Greatness (Quiz)

Featured Articles

210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppHow to Meet Gay People Without a Dating AppCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkCute, Thoughtful & Romantic Messages to Wish Her a Good Day at WorkWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Movie Should I Stream QuizWhat Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?What Does the Term "Femboy" Mean?40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People40+ Fun & Exciting Group Game Ideas to Play with 20+ People

Watch Articles

Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideHow to Marinate Chicken: 4 Recipes and a Step-By-Step GuideClean Shower TileHow toClean Shower TileDo Oblique CrunchesHow toDo Oblique CrunchesSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsSimple Ways to Riffle Shuffle and Bridge Playing CardsMake Black CoffeeHow toMake Black CoffeePlant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot

Trending Articles

What's Special About Me QuizWhat's Special About Me QuizHow Many People Actually Find Me Intimidating QuizHow Many People Actually Find Me Intimidating QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizThe World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)The World's Hardest Riddles (for Kids & Adults)1, 2, 1, 2, 3, Release ‘Em: All About This Viral TikTok Trend1, 2, 1, 2, 3, Release ‘Em: All About This Viral TikTok TrendHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character QuizHow Would My Fandom See Me If I Were a Fictional Character Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizFunny or Cringe? (Brainrot Edition)Funny or Cringe? (Brainrot Edition)Take QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizHow Well Do You Know Gen Alpha Slang QuizHow Well Do You Know Gen Alpha Slang QuizTake QuizMemory TestMemory TestTake QuizRare Dollar Bill Value CalculatorRare Dollar Bill Value CalculatorAnalyze wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Fish and Seafood
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --555

Tag » How To Tell If Fish Is Bad