Seafood
Raw Fin Fish

FishShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Unsafe

Raw fish is highly perishable and should never be stored at room temperature or in the pantry.

Refrigerator

1-2 days

Store raw fish in the coldest part of the refrigerator, preferably on a plate or in a container to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. Keep it well-wrapped.

Freezer

3-8 months

For best quality, wrap fish tightly in plastic wrap, foil, or freezer paper, or place in heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Strong, sour, or 'fishy' odor
  • Slimy or sticky texture
  • Dull, faded, or grayish color
  • Cloudy eyes
  • Sunken eyes
  • Gills that are not bright red

Room Temperature Safety

Perishable foods, including raw fish, should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this time limit is reduced to 1 hour.

The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).

Always refrigerate or freeze raw fish promptly. Discard any raw fish left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time limits.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Cook all fin fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

2

Thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Never thaw at room temperature.

3

Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw fish separate from other foods, especially ready-to-eat items. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates.

4

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw fish.

Related Items

Comparisons

Cooked FishCooked fish generally lasts longer in the fridge than raw fish.
Fridge
3-4 days
Freezer
2-6 months
Raw Shrimp
Fridge
1-2 days
Freezer
3-6 months
Raw Scallops
Fridge
1-2 days
Freezer
3-6 months
Raw Clams, Mussels, Oysters (in shell)Live shellfish should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator in their original mesh bag or in a bowl covered with a damp cloth.
Fridge
2-3 days
Freezer
Not recommended