What characteristic indicates that fish is no longer good to eat?

A cloudy appearance in fish eyes is a significant indicator that the fish may no longer be safe to eat. Fresh fish typically has clear, bright eyes, reflecting its quality and freshness. When fish is no longer good, the eyes can become dull, opaque, or cloudy due to the breakdown of tissues and the process of spoilage. This change can signal that the fish may have begun to deteriorate, making it unsuitable for consumption.

Other factors, while important for evaluating fish freshness, do not indicate spoilage as directly. For instance, a firm texture is a sign of freshness rather than deterioration, while bright red gills indicate that the fish is fresh. A mild smell is also associated with fresh fish, as fish that has started to spoil would generally have a strong, unpleasant odor. Thus, cloudy eyes serve as a clear and specific characteristic of potential spoilage.