How can you tell if shrimp has gone bad?

Shrimp that has gone bad often has a fishy smell and slimy texture. Fresh shrimp generally lasts one to two days in the refrigerator past the sell by date and six to eight months in the freezer.

The shelf life of shrimp varies depending on the conditions of storage and packaging. If not properly stored in a tightly closed container, the shrimp is exposed to contaminants and has a shorter shelf life. Cooked shrimp stay fresh slightly longer than raw shrimp. Cooked and opened canned shrimp should be good for five to seven days in the refrigerator past the sell by date and six to eight months in the freezer.