Fresh Whole Fish Appearance is bright and shiny, and most of the scales are intact and adhere tightly to the skin. Each species has characteristic markings and colors which fade and become less pronounced as the fish loses freshness. Eyes are bright, clear, full, and often protrude. As quality goes down, the eyes often turn pink and become cloudy and sunken. This does not always apply to small-eyed fish such as salmon.
Gills are red and free from slime.
The color fades with time to light pink, then gray, and finally greenish or dull brown. Odor is fresh and mild. The fishy odor develops with time, but should not be strong or objectionable. Flesh is firm, elastic, and not separating from the bones. Fresh Fillets and Steaks Odor is fresh and mild.