What Is the Best Way to Measure the Colour of Fish?

The importance of fish colour doesn't end once these animals leave the wild. In fact, their colour gains an entirely new importance once they're taken to a farm and prepared for sale in the human world. Fish farmers and other parts of the supply chain must accept the responsibility of delivering fish with coloration consistent with consumers' expectations, maintaining brand reputation, and providing products seen as healthy and normal to the masses.

Does the Colour of Fish Matter?

When consumers think of the colour of fish, meat, and similar products, they often use it to determine one vital characteristic — freshness. While fish colour can vary by species, establishing guidelines for each variety is immensely beneficial to creating brand identity and garnering public favor.

For example, if you see a selection of salmon at the grocery store and one brand's fish is a significantly different colour than the rest, you may think something is wrong with that fish, especially if the colour is duller, grayer, or greener than others. However, a lighter, brighter colour that still fits within expected conventions may be seen as a fresher batch that buyers will flock toward.

Precautions for Fish Colour Measurement

Measuring colour in a way that drives consistent results can be challenging, as colour perception is a subjective experience. The key is controlling as many variables as possible and using a colour measurement tool to develop a numerical system to differentiate shades.

Some of the most notable variables include lighting, which can make the same shade look different, and background colour, which can also affect how colours are viewed. When performing colour measurements, be sure to use similar lighting and the same background for every measurement.

Use a Spectrophotometer to Measure Fish Colour

The team at HunterLab has long believed there is a method for measuring fish colour on the farm and in processing that does not agitate the fish, stressing them out and causing their coloration and other features to change. We've found a solution in the MiniScan EZ 4500, a spectrophotometer of our own creation that delivers precise results without touching or affecting the fish's environment.

This handheld device features a large LCD screen that can measure colour using the most common colour indices with the press of a button. Learn more about how we do it and request a quote to get your own today.