How to Know If a Fish Is Fresh: Characteristics of Fresh Fish and Seafood

Fresh fish has clear eyes, bright red gills, firm flesh, shiny skin and a clean sea smell. Those are the five characteristics of fresh fish, and you can check all of them in under a minute at the market. This guide shows how to know if a fish is fresh, fish by fish, and how to check shrimp, crabs, squid and shellfish too.

Buying online instead? See the fresh fish and fresh seafood for sale listed by Filipino sellers on FarmyHub.

Characteristics of Fresh Fish (and Fish That Is Not Fresh)

Check these five parts of the fish. In Tagalog, fresh fish is sariwang isda, and fish that is no longer fresh is bilasang isda.

How to Know If a Fish Is Fresh

• Check the Eyes: They should be bright, clear, and bulging. If the eyes are cloudy, hazy, or sunken, the fish has been sitting too long.

• Inspect the Gills: Lift the gill cover. They should be a vibrant deep red or pink. Avoid fish with gills that are brownish, gray, or covered in slime.

• Test the Texture: The skin should be shiny and the flesh firm. When you press it gently with a finger, it should spring back instantly rather than leaving a dent.

• Follow Your Nose: Fresh fish shouldn't smell "fishy." It should have a clean, mild scent reminiscent of the ocean and salty air.

Fresh Seafood Checklist: Shrimp, Crabs, Squid and Shellfish

Fish is not the only catch worth checking. These are the signs for other seafood:

Each one has its own page with prices and buying tips: shrimp (hipon), crabs (alimango, alimasag), squid (pusit), mussels (tahong), clams (halaan) and oysters (talaba).

How to Pick Fresh Seafood by Type

Here is what to check on the fish and seafood Filipinos buy most often, one kind at a time.

Bangus (Milkfish) — Clear Red Gills

Bangus, or milkfish, is one of the most common fish on Filipino tables. It is sold whole, split for daing, or deboned.

✅ How to Tell If Bangus Is Fresh:

• It has clear eyes. One of the best ways to check if the fish is fresh is through its eyes. The eyes should be bulging, bright, and crystal clear. Avoid fish with eyes that are cloudy, hazy, or bloodshot, as these are signs of aging.

• Its gills are deep red. The gills tell so much about the freshness of the fish. Lift the gill cover and make sure they are a vibrant, healthy red. If they appear brownish, grey, or have a thick coating of slime, the fish is no longer fresh.

• Its skin is firm and its belly is not bloated. The skin of the Bangus should be shimmering silver with shiny scales that are intact. When you press the belly, it must be firm and bounce back. A bloated or soft belly indicates the internal fats have started to spoil.

• It has a fresh smell. A fresh Bangus should have a mild, clean scent reminiscent of the water it came from. It should never have a strong "fishy" odor, a sour smell, or any hint of ammonia.

📍 Location: Zamboanga City

💰 Price: ₱280 per kilo (October 2026)

📦 Order: From 1 kilo

🎯 Best For: Sinigang, paksiw, inihaw and daing

Tilapia — Firm Springy Flesh

Tilapia is a mild, affordable fish raised in ponds and lakes. It is usually sold whole, and often still alive.

✅ How to Tell If Tilapia Is Fresh:

• It has clear and bulging eyes. One of the best ways to check if the Tilapia is fresh is through its eyes. They should be bright, clear, and slightly protruding. If the eyes look sunken or have a cloudy film over them, it is a sign that the fish is not market-fresh.

• Its gills are bright red. The gills tell so much about the freshness of the fish. When you lift the gill cover, they should be a clean, deep red color. Avoid Tilapia with gills that have turned dark brown or look pale, as this indicates the fish has been sitting for too long.

• Its skin is firm and scales are intact. The skin of the Tilapia should feel bouncy and firm to the touch. When pressed, the flesh should snap back immediately rather than leaving an indentation. The scales should be tight against the body and have a healthy, metallic sheen.

• It has a clean, mild smell. A fresh Tilapia should have a very mild, neutral scent or smell faintly of fresh water. Since it is often a pond-raised fish, a clean scent is vital; if it has a strong "muddy" odor or a pungent fishy smell, it is no longer at its peak quality.

📍 Location: Davao City

💰 Price: ₱200 per kilo (October 2026)

📦 Order: From 1 kilo

🎯 Best For: Frying, grilling and soup

Sugpo (Prawns) — Tight Intact Shells

Sugpo is the tiger prawn, the big striped kind of shrimp. It is the one most often bought for grilling and special meals.

✅ How to Tell If Sugpo Is Fresh:

• It has translucent and shiny shells. One of the best ways to check if prawns are fresh is by the appearance of their shells. They should look clear, glossy, and almost see-through. Avoid any shells that look dull, matte, or have a yellowish tint, as these are signs of aging.

• Its body is firm and intact. The body of the prawn tells so much about its freshness. When handled, the meat should feel tight and springy within the shell. Make sure the head is still securely attached to the body; if it feels loose or "hanging by a thread," the prawn is no longer fresh.

• It is free from black spots. The shell and meat of the prawn should be clean and consistent in color. You must avoid any prawns that have developed "melanosis" or black spots on the head, legs, or tail. These dark patches indicate that the chemical breakdown process has already begun.

• It has a fresh, salty smell. A fresh prawn should have a pleasant, mild scent like the sea. You must avoid any prawns that give off a pungent or "fishy" odor. Most importantly, if you detect even a faint hint of an ammonia scent, it is a clear sign that the prawns have started to spoil.

📍 Location: Davao City and Tondo, Manila

💰 Price: ₱280 to ₱500 per kilo for shrimp (October 2026)

📦 Order: From 1 kilo

🎯 Best For: Grilling, sinigang and halabos

Galunggong — Shiny Bright Eyes

Galunggong, or round scad, is the everyday fish for frying and paksiw. Many Filipinos simply call it GG.

✅ How to Tell If Galunggong Is Fresh:

• It has clear and bright eyes. One of the best ways to check if the fish is fresh is through its eyes. They should be shiny and transparent, not cloudy or sunken. Fresh Galunggong eyes should look full and "alive" rather than dull and grey.

• Its gills are bright, deep red. The gills tell so much about the freshness of the fish. When you check under the gill cover, they should be a vibrant red color with no trace of slime. Avoid those with brownish or pale pink gills, as these are signs that the fish is aging.

• Its body is stiff and firm. The skin of the Galunggong should be tight and the body should feel stiff—almost rigid. When you press the side of the fish, the flesh must bounce back quickly. If it feels soft, mushy, or stays indented, it is no longer at its peak quality.

• It has a clean, sea-salty smell. A fresh Galunggong has a pleasant, mild scent like the open ocean. Because it is a fatty fish, it can spoil quickly; you must avoid any fish that has a strong oily odor, a sour smell, or any hint of ammonia.

📍 Location: Zamboanga City

💰 Price: ₱260 per kilo (October 2026)

📦 Order: From 1 kilo

🎯 Best For: Frying and paksiw

Dalagang Bukid — Vibrant Pink Color

Dalagang bukid, or yellowtail fusilier, is a pink reef fish with a yellow stripe along its side. It is usually fried.

✅ How to Tell If Dalagang Bukid Is Fresh:

• It has clear and vivid eyes. The eyes should be bright, transparent, and bulging. Avoid fish with cloudy or sunken eyes, as these are clear signs of aging.

• Its gills are deep, vibrant red. Fresh gills must be a healthy red color. Avoid those that look brownish or slimy, as these indicate the fish is no longer fresh.

• Its skin is vibrant and the flesh is elastic. The signature red and yellow skin should be bright and shiny. When pressed, the flesh must be firm and spring back instantly.

• It has a fresh, neutral scent. The fish should have a mild, clean smell of the sea. If it smells strongly "fishy" or sour, it is no longer at its peak quality.

🎯 Best For: Frying and sweet and sour dishes

Pompano — Silver Smooth Skin

Pompano, or pampano, is a flat silver fish with firm white meat.

✅ How to Tell If Pompano Is Fresh:

• It has clear and bright eyes. The eyes should be transparent, full, and shiny. Avoid any fish with eyes that look cloudy, milky, or sunken, as these are primary signs that the fish is no longer fresh.

• Its gills are deep red. Fresh Pompano gills should be a vibrant, healthy red. If the gills appear brownish, grey, or covered in thick slime, the fish has been sitting out too long and should be avoided.

• Its skin is smooth and the belly is firm. The skin should have a distinct golden tint and a metallic shimmer. The belly must be intact and flat—avoid any fish with a swollen or "bloated" belly, which indicates internal spoilage.

• It has a mild, clean scent. A fresh Pompano has a very subtle, clean smell of the ocean. Because it is a premium, oily fish, any strong "fishy" odor or sour scent means the natural fats have begun to turn.

📍 Location: Zamboanga City

💰 Price: ₱380 per kilo (October 2026)

📦 Order: From 1 kilo

🎯 Best For: Steaming, grilling and frying

Lapu-Lapu — Hard Resilient Body

Lapu-lapu is grouper, a reef fish with firm white flesh. It costs more than everyday fish and is often served at celebrations.

✅ How to Tell If Lapu-Lapu Is Fresh:

• It has shiny, clear eyes. The eyes should be bright and bulging. Avoid any fish with cloudy or sunken eyes, as these are clear signs of aging.

• Its gills are bright pink. Fresh gills should be vibrant pink or deep red. Avoid those that look brownish or slimy, as these indicate the fish is no longer fresh.

• Its skin is shiny and the flesh is firm. The skin must have a distinct luster; avoid dull or "matte" skin. The meat should feel elastic and spring back when pressed.

• It has a fresh, salty smell. The fish should have a clean, mild scent of the sea. If it smells strongly "fishy" or sour, it is no longer at its peak quality.

📍 Location: Zamboanga City

💰 Price: ₱500 per kilo for red lapu-lapu (October 2026)

📦 Order: From 1 kilo

🎯 Best For: Steaming, sweet and sour, and soup

Salmon Steak — Moisten Orange Flesh

Salmon is imported and usually sold as steaks, so you judge it by the flesh, not by the eyes and gills.

✅ How to Tell If Salmon Steak Is Fresh:

• It has a vivid orange-pink hue. The meat should have a bright, saturated color and look vibrant. Avoid steaks that look pale, faded, or have darkened, grayish edges, as these are signs of oxidation.

• Its flesh is moist and held together. The muscle fibers should be tight and intact. Avoid any steak where the flesh is separating or "gaping," as this indicates the connective tissue is breaking down.

• Its skin is silver and shiny. If the skin is still attached, it should be smooth and metallic. Avoid any salmon with skin that looks dull or feels excessively slimy, which points to poor handling.

• It has a mild, buttery smell. Fresh salmon should have a very faint, clean scent. Because it is a fatty fish, any strong "fishy" odor or oily, rancid smell means the healthy fats have started to spoil.

🎯 Best For: Grilling, pan-frying and sinigang sa miso

Blue Marlin — Clean Mild Smell

Blue marlin is sold as thick steaks or slabs, so check the colour, firmness and smell of the meat.

✅ How to Tell If Blue Marlin Is Fresh:

• It has a bright pinkish color. The flesh should look vibrant and healthy across the entire cut. You must avoid any steaks that show dry patches or brown spots, as these are signs of oxidation and aging.

• Its texture is firm and elastic. The meat should feel solid and springy to the touch. When you press the steak, it must bounce back immediately; if your finger leaves a permanent dent, the muscle fibers have started to break down.

• Its surface is moist and clean. Fresh Marlin should have a natural, glistening moisture on the surface. Avoid fish that looks excessively "leaky" or sits in a pool of dark liquid, as well as meat that appears dull or shriveled.

• It has a mild, clean scent. A fresh cut should have a very faint, pleasant smell of the ocean. Since Marlin is a dense, meaty fish, any strong "fishy" odor or pungent scent is a clear indicator that it is no longer fresh.

🎯 Best For: Grilling and steaks

How to Tell if Shrimp is Fresh

• Firm Flesh: The body should be "snappy" and firm. Ensure the legs are still securely attached to the body.

• Clear Shells: While not always perfect, avoid shrimp with distinct black spots or a slimy film.

• Ocean Scent: Like fish, fresh shrimp should smell like clean sea water.

How to Tell if Clams, Oysters, or Mussels are Fresh

• Intact Shells: Only buy shellfish with clean, crack-free shells.

• The Tap Test: Shells should be tightly closed. If they are slightly open, tap them—if they don't snap shut immediately, they are no longer alive and should be discarded.

• Plump Meats: For shucked oysters or clams, the meat should be plump and the liquid (liquor) should be clear or slightly milky, never cloudy or foul-smelling.

Why Freshness Matters

Fresh seafood is not only about taste. It is also about nutrition and safety, because seafood that has been sitting too long can upset your stomach and ruin the dish. FarmyHub is a marketplace, so each seller handles their own catch. Before you order, ask the seller when the fish was caught and how it will be packed in ice.

Fresh Fish FAQs

What are the 5 characteristics of fresh fish?

Clear and bulging eyes, bright red gills, firm flesh that springs back, shiny skin with scales that stay in place, and a clean sea smell.

How can you tell if fish is not fresh?

Look for cloudy or sunken eyes, brown or grey gills, soft flesh that keeps a dent, dull skin with loose scales, and a sour or ammonia smell.

What is bilasang isda?

Bilasang isda is Tagalog for fish that is no longer fresh. Sariwang isda means fresh fish.

How do you know if shrimp is fresh?

Fresh shrimp is firm, with the head attached and a clear shell. Avoid shrimp with black spots, a slimy film or an ammonia smell.

How long does fresh fish last in the fridge?

One to two days. Keep it on ice or in the coldest part of the refrigerator, and freeze it if you will not cook it within two days.

Paano malalaman kung sariwa ang isda?

Sariwa ang isda kung malinaw at nakaumbok ang mata, mapula ang hasang, matigas ang laman at bumabalik kapag pinindot, makintab ang balat, at amoy-dagat lang, hindi maasim.

Sell Your Fish and Seafood on FarmyHub

Do you catch, farm or sell fish, shellfish or other farm products? FarmyHub connects Filipino farmers, fishers and suppliers with buyers across the country. There are two ways to start:

List your products yourself, for free. Create a free account in seconds with your Google or Facebook account, then post your listing in a few minutes. Once approved, your listing is visible to buyers, who can message or call you directly.

Become a FarmyHub supplier. Tell us about your farm or business, your products and how much you can supply. Our team will contact you to learn about your business, and when a bulk buyer is looking for what you sell, we can recommend you.

Prefer using your phone? Download the free FarmyHub app to post listings and reply to buyers on the go.