Let's ask the merchandiser: what is the shelf life of the live fish and aquatic invertebrates sold?
Live fish, like seafood, contains a large amount of valuable nutrients necessary for the human body.
But it is important to know that a live product, if storage and transportation rules are not followed, can be dangerous.
To maintain their health, the consumer should adhere to certain recommendations, familiarize themselves with expiration dates and methods of organizing the storage of live fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Content
What are the conditions of detention?
Live fish at sales points kept in aquariums for no more than a day - in the warm season, no more than 2 days - in the cold season.
It happens that the inhabitants swim in the upper part of the water, stick out of it, and rush about. This means they don't have enough oxygen. In this case, measures are taken to saturate the environment - cool the water, blow it with air.
It is important to observe all temperature indicators. At the final points of sale, the live product is kept at temperatures from +5° to +10°C. The aquarium should not exceed +15°C.
Storage period
When it is not possible to prepare aquatic inhabitants immediately after purchase, they are placed in the refrigerator.
Fish are allowed for live storage breeds that are least picky about water quality and oxygen content in it:
- carp,
- crucian carp,
- tench.
If tap water is used, it must be dechlorinated, which is achieved by blowing air through it for 10-15 minutes. Also, to improve performance, the use of special filters and activated carbon is suitable. The shelf life in this way is no more than 2 days.
The period of safe keeping of the sold product in the refrigerator is influenced by the temperature regime.. If the chamber is equipped with a special compartment where the temperature is kept from 0° to -2°C, in this case the fish will retain its properties for up to 3 days.
The freezer provides the most reliable storage environment for aquatic life. Fish is frozen if you plan to store it for more than 2 days. A fresh carcass can last up to 10 months in the freezer. Its nutritional value and taste will not be lost.
Different types of aquatic invertebrates
Aquatic invertebrates consumed by humans as food have a short shelf life in their live form:
- Crustaceans. If the conditions are met, they can live in water for 3 to 5 days. In a cool, damp place - about 2 days.
- Shellfish. At air temperatures up to +7°C, the live product is stored for 2-3 days.
- Echinoderms. Do not spoil for a maximum of 1-2 days. It is advisable to eat hedgehogs and scallops on the day of sale or the next day.
Methods and technology
When maintaining live fish products after sale, attention should be paid to important factors:
Availability of oxygen. An element that ensures stable breathing for water inhabitants.If there is no aeration in a filled storage container, the fish will suffocate.- Temperature. The fish must be placed in chilled water with a temperature no higher than +6°+8° C.
If it is too warm, there will be active development of harmful microorganisms that promote oxygen absorption.
In the cold season, a natural environment is suitable for a container with fish; in the summer it is better to place it in the basement.
- Water quality. Water containing chlorine and collected from a questionable reservoir with industrial pollution is not allowed for storage. The liquid must be clean and must be completely changed periodically.
- Storage capacity. You should pay attention to how many inhabitants are placed in an organized reservoir and whether there is enough space for them. Each individual requires from 5 to 7 liters of water.
Each fish, depending on its species and age, can tolerate the same conditions differently. Therefore, it is worth periodically checking the condition of the inhabitants. If a unit dies, immediately remove it from the general container.
At home, they can be placed in places such as:
- fridge;
- cellar, basement;
- balcony (in cool seasons).
The valuable qualities of invertebrate inhabitants in the refrigerator compartment can be maintained by placing them in a container with ice or wrapping them in a damp towel.
How to determine product quality?
When sold, live fish are not always placed in aquariums with water. In order to determine whether she is healthy, you should take a careful look at her.
Living quality individuals have:
Darker shade on the back.- The gills are bright red.
- Covering with shiny and clean scales. It should be free of damage and stains and fit snugly to the body.
- Well-fed look. At the same time, not a bloated belly.
- Transparent pupils. The eyes should not be cloudy, but clear and protruding.
- Light pleasant smell. The presence of an unobtrusive marine aroma or a specific smell that characterizes a certain species is considered normal.
It is much easier to choose fish yourself if they are placed in a special container. A healthy individual is energetic, even if it is not fed. She won't be thin and emaciated. Under no circumstances should it swim belly up.
Conclusion
If you follow practical recommendations, choosing high-quality live products and storing them at home will not be difficult. Fish and aquatic invertebrates are valuable and useful elements of food. And despite certain storage features, you should not refuse to include them in your diet.
