How long can fish sit at room temperature before cooking?

It is generally recommended that fish should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This is because fish is highly perishable and the quality begins to rapidly deteriorate at temperatures above 40°F (4°C). Leaving fish out at room temperature can increase the growth of bacteria, making it unsafe to consume.

The following table provides general recommendations for storing fresh fish:

| Temperature | Storage Time |

|-----------|-------------|

| Below 40°F (4°C) | Up to 2 days |

| 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C) | Up to 1 day |

| Above 45°F (7°C) | Not recommended |

If you are not planning to cook your fish within a few hours, it is best to store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for long-term storage. When in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and discard fish that has been left at room temperature for an extended period of time.