Hyperspectral imaging in combination with data fusion for rapid evaluation of tilapia fillet freshness

•Two different hyperspectral imaging systems, including Vis-NIR and NIR, were used.•Low-level and mid-level data fusion were applied to analyze hyperspectral image data.•Mid-level fusion data was produced by PC extraction and variable selection.•Five variable selection methods were employed to conduct optimal wavelength selection.•Distribution map of TVB-N was drawn to inspect the variation of tilapia freshness.