Seafood · Shelf Life · 2026
🐠 How Long Does Fresh Fish Last?
Safe refrigerator and freezer storage times for all types of fresh fish.
QUICK ANSWER
Fresh fish lasts 1-2 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer (lean fish up to 8 months, fatty fish 2-3 months).
How Long Does Fresh Fish Last?
Signs Fresh Fish Has Gone Bad
- ⚠️ Strong fishy or sour odour
- ⚠️ Cloudy or sunken eyes (whole fish)
- ⚠️ Slimy or dull skin
- ⚠️ Flesh that does not spring back when pressed
Fresh Fish Storage Tips
- Buy fish on the day you plan to cook it whenever possible
- Store on a bed of crushed ice in the fridge for maximum freshness
- Keep fish away from strong-smelling foods
- Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)
- Ask your fishmonger to pack fish on ice for the journey home
⚠️
Fresh fish is extremely perishable. If it smells strongly of ammonia or is visibly slimy, discard it immediately.
Never Lose Track of Expiry Dates Again
Eatvora automatically tracks expiration dates for everything in your fridge and pantry — sending alerts before food goes bad and generating AI recipes to use it up.
USE IT BEFORE IT GOES BAD
Ready to cook? Try Fish & Seafood Recipes
Put your Fresh Fish to good use before it expires — Eatvora AI builds the recipe from what you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
All fresh fish is safe when stored correctly at below 40°F and consumed within 1-2 days of purchase or the sell-by date.
Yes — lean fish like cod and tilapia last up to 8 months frozen, while fatty fish like salmon and mackerel last only 2-3 months frozen due to higher fat content.
Refreezing thawed raw fish is not recommended as it degrades quality and increases bacterial risk. Cook it first, then freeze the cooked fish.
Eatvora tracks your fish purchase and sends a same-day reminder to cook or freeze so nothing goes to waste.