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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-butter-clams

Which clam keeps biotoxins for long periods, sometimes years?

Butter clams.

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  1. Butter clams ✔
  2. Littleneck clams
  3. Manila clams

Why: DOH says butter clams can hold biotoxins for long periods, up to years after a toxic algae bloom ends.

Huh, didn't know that: Varnish clams accumulate toxins to higher levels than other clams.

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References

Answer: Butter clams. DOH says butter clams can hold biotoxins for long periods, up to years after a toxic algae bloom ends.

  1. Washington DOH Marine Biotoxins doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illnesses/biotoxins
    Butter clams are known to retain biotoxins for long periods, up to years after a biotoxin producing algae bloom has ended.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Washington DOH Marine Biotoxins doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illnesses/biotoxins
    Varnish clams accumulate toxins to higher levels than other clams.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Washington DOH Marine Biotoxins doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/shellfish/recreational-shellfish/illnesses/biotoxins
    Mussels are used as an indicator for toxins
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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