Abstract: In this paper, the influence of trehalose, sorbitol and sodium citrate on water retention and texture properties of large yellow croaker were studied. Based on the single factor test, the optimum ratio of alga, sorbitol, sodium citrate and sodium citrate was obtained by using response surface combination analysis method, generated the optimal composite water retention agent. The quality analysis of the fish treated with optimal composite water protection agent was carried out to further determine the practical application effect of optimal composite water retention agent optimization. The optimal formula of composite water retention agent was 3.25% trehalose, 2.08% sorbitol and 0.25% sodium citrate. The water retention of large yellow fish with this composite water retention agent reached 89.92%;Meanwhile, through the optimization of composite water retention agent of large yellow croaker after thawing, large chrysanthemum fish hardness drop rate decreased by 21.9%, chewiness, cohesiveness and restorative down slowly compared with blank control group, the texture of large yellow croaker was well protected.