Why does fish sometimes smell like ammonia?

Question

I've had some fish in a restaurant with a strong smell of ammonia.
It was chilean sea bass why does this happen?

Answer 1

The fish is old--definitely NOT fresh. This happens to all fish and seafood that's been sitting around too long. It's not likely to be harmful but I'd send it back and asked that it be replaced with something fresh.

Answer 2

Fish Ammonia Smell

Answer 3

Hi - there are a couple of reasons why fish can smell of ammonia, none of them good for you. Some chemicals for preserving fish have ammonia in them. So there's no good way to know by smell how old the fish is. Ammonia can also be used to clean fish sellers' counters and be oicked up on the meat. And some fish still have their waste toxins in them. In no case, should anyone purchase or eat fish that smells of ammonia. It means that the fish may be decomposed already and may make you ill.

Answer 4

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A heavy ammonia smell would be mildly toxic, but if you can smell the ammonia, your fish are dead. Sometimes you'll get a sulphur smell from a fresh load of dechlorinator, but that is harmless and should go away.

Answer 5

I hope you didn't eat it!!! I don't think I'd go to that restaurant again. Fish should smell like Fish and nothing else or its not good.

Answer 6

Somebody is obviously trying to kill you with poisoned fish! Probably a ninja is hot on your trail. You should hide in your closet with a baseball bat and prepared to be assasinated by a silent ninja. Crying like an infant helps to prolong the inevitable.

Answer 7

either the fish was not fresh, or the fish was caught from unclean waters. such as areas where sewage is released

Answer 8

if it does'nt smell like the sea its bad. if it smells like ammonia don't eat it.

Answer 9

Odor is also a indicator of bad fish...