What are the signs of spoiled fish?

1. Smell: Trust your nose! Spoiled fish will often have a strong, unpleasant odor that is fishy, sour, or ammonia-like.

2. Appearance:

- Eyes: Fresh fish should have clear, bright, and plump eyes. Cloudy or sunken eyes can indicate spoilage.

- Gills: Fresh fish gills should be bright red. Brown, gray, or slimy gills often suggest spoilage.

- Color: The surface of fresh fish should be vibrant and have a natural sheen. Fish that has lost its vibrant color or looks dull could be spoiled.

- Texture: Fresh fish should be firm and elastic to the touch. If the fish is slimy or mushy, it's likely spoiled.

3. Texture: Fresh fish should have a firm texture. If the fish feels soft or mushy, it might be spoiled.

4. Slime layer: A thin layer of natural slime is normal on fish, but excessive slime or a slippery feel can be a sign of spoilage.

5. Taste: Obviously, it's not recommended to taste fish if you suspect it's spoiled. However, if you accidentally consume spoiled fish, it might have a bitter or off taste.

6. Rancid or sour smell: This is another indication of fish that has gone bad. Rancidity develops due to oxidation of fats in the fish.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! If fish shows any of these signs, it's better to discard it for safety reasons.