Seafood / Shellfish

Live clams, mussels, crab, and oysters

1–2 days in the fridge from the date of purchase and 2–3 months in the freezer.

Pantry

No USDA guidance

Fridge

from purchase: 1–2 days

Freezer

from purchase: 2–3 months

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeperHow to read these times

Common questions

How long do live clams, mussels, crab, and oysters last in the fridge?

1–2 days from the date of purchase.

Can you freeze live clams, mussels, crab, and oysters, and for how long?

Yes. 2–3 months from the date of purchase.

How can I tell if live clams, mussels, crab, and oysters have gone bad?

Throw it out if it smells off, feels slimy or sticky, shows mold, or has changed color. Storage times assume it was handled safely and kept cold the whole time.