How can one best determine the freshness of fish at a market?

Evaluating the freshness of fish is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality. The appearance of a fish's eyes is a significant indicator of its freshness. Fresh fish typically have clear and bulging eyes; they should not appear sunken, cloudy, or dull. These visual cues indicate that the fish has been stored properly and has not begun to deteriorate.

While other aspects, such as the texture of the scales and the smell of the fish, can also contribute to assessing freshness, the eyes offer a more immediate and unmistakable visual sign. Scales can sometimes remain intact on older fish, and a fish may still have a strong odor even if it appears fresh. Therefore, examining the eyes provides a more reliable initial assessment when determining the freshness of fish in a market setting.