How to Choose Fresh Sea Fish: 6 Signs of Freshness

Fresh fish tastes sweet, cooks evenly and is safer to eat. These are the signs experienced buyers in Khulna and Chattogram fish markets look for.

1. Clear, bulging eyes

Fresh fish has bright, clear and slightly bulging eyes. Cloudy, grey or sunken eyes mean the fish is old.

2. Bright red gills

Lift the gill cover. It should be bright red or pink and moist, never brown, grey or slimy.

3. Firm, springy flesh

Press the body gently with a finger. Fresh flesh springs back immediately. Old fish leaves a dent.

4. Shiny skin and tight scales

The skin should look wet and metallic, with scales firmly attached.

5. A clean smell of the sea

Fresh sea fish smells mild, like seawater. A strong fishy or ammonia smell is a warning sign.

6. No formalin

Fish treated with formalin often looks unnaturally stiff, the eyes stay oddly bright for days, and flies avoid it. Always buy from sellers who guarantee formalin-free fish.

Buying fish online

Choose a seller that packs fish on ice on the day of the catch and delivers in insulated boxes. Once it arrives, follow our guide on how to store and freeze fish to keep it fresh for months.

Want to go deeper? Read our guides to buying hilsa and choosing mud crab and golda prawn.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if fish has formalin?

Formalin fish is often stiff, has a chemical smell instead of a sea smell, and does not attract flies. Buying from a trusted direct source is the safest option.

How long does fresh fish last in the fridge?

Only one to two days. Freeze it if you won’t cook it by then.

Ready to taste the difference? Order fresh, formalin-free fish, sourced directly from the Sundarbans and delivered across Bangladesh.