TempoLife › Features › How long food keeps: fridge, freezer and pantry › fatty-fish
Raw fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) shelf life
Raw fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) keeps 1-2 days in the fridge, 2-3 months in the freezer. Spoilage signs and the safe-handling notes, from the USDA Cold Food Storage Chart.
Storage at a glance
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Fridge (0-4 °C) | 1-2 days |
| Freezer (-18 °C) | 2-3 months |
Signs it has gone off
Fishy or ammonia smell, dull eyes, mushy flesh.
Safe handling
Fatty fish freeze for less time than lean fish because the oils oxidise.
Storage times are guidance, not a guarantee. If it looks or smells wrong, do not taste it to check.
Source: USDA Cold Food Storage Chart / FDA-USDA FoodKeeper · checked 2026-09-03
Frequently asked questions
How long does raw fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) last in the fridge?
1-2 days — stored sealed, at 4 C or below.
Can you freeze raw fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)?
Yes — about 2-3 months for quality. Frozen at a constant -18 C it stays safe longer; the time is about taste and texture.
How do you know when raw fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) has gone off?
Fishy or ammonia smell, dull eyes, mushy flesh. Trust the signs over any date.
Raw lean fish (cod, haddock)
Fridge: 1-2 days · freezer: 6-8 months
Cooked fish
Fridge: 3-4 days · freezer: 4-6 months
Know the shelf life, plan the week
TempoLife puts the food plan next to your goals, so what you bought gets eaten, not binned.