Seafood Shelf Life & Storage Times
Fresh, cooked, and canned fish and shellfish.
29+ foods USDA data Fridge, freezer & pantry
Fresh fish and shellfish spoil faster than most proteins. Use within 1–2 days of purchase and keep on ice in the coldest part of the fridge. Freezer storage depends on fat content — lean fish keeps longer than oily fish.
Shelf-life cheat sheet for common seafood, with citations on each food page:
| Food | Typical storage |
|---|---|
| Salmon (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 2–3 months |
| Shrimp (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months |
| Tuna (canned) | Fridge 3–4 days after opening |
| Cod (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months |
| Tilapia (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months |
| Crab (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months |
| Lobster (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months |
| Scallops (raw) | Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months |
Common questions
- How do you know if fish has gone bad?
- Discard fish with a strong ammonia or sour smell, slimy texture, or dull, discoloured flesh. When in doubt, throw it out.
All seafood storage times
- Salmon (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Shrimp (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months
- Tuna (canned) Fridge 3–4 days after opening
- Cod (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Tilapia (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Crab (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months
- Lobster (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months
- Scallops (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–6 months
- Canned tuna (opened) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Catfish (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Clams (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Oysters (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Smoked salmon Fridge 1–2 weeks · Freezer 2–3 months
- Imitation crab Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Mackerel (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Sardines (canned, opened) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Anchovies (canned, opened) Fridge 2–3 months · Freezer 3–4 months
- Crab meat (cooked) Fridge 3–5 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Lobster (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Octopus (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 2–3 months
- Squid (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Oysters (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Sushi Fridge 1 day · Freezer 1–2 months
- Ceviche Fridge 1 day · Freezer 1–2 months
- Smoked trout Fridge 1–2 weeks · Freezer 2–3 months
- Halibut (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Trout (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 6–9 months
- Mussels (raw) Fridge 1–2 days · Freezer 3–4 months
- Clams (cooked) Fridge 3–4 days · Freezer 3–4 months
