How To Identify Fresh Fish By Sight?

Fresh fish have clear, bright, slightly bulging eyes. If they look cloudy, sunken, or flat, the fish has been sitting around too long.

Healthy gills are bright red or pink and look moist. Brown, gray, or slimy ones are a clear sign to put it back.

Good skin is shiny, wet, and almost metallic, with scales sticking tight. Dull patches or flaking scales usually mean it’s past its best.

Fillets should look glossy and slightly see-through, with firm flesh. Browning edges, gaps in the meat, or milky liquid mean skip it.

Fish should sit on plenty of clean ice. At the best seafood near me, I always check the case before anything else.

Ask if you can gently press the flesh. It should bounce right back. If your fingerprint stays put, pick something else.