h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Only eat shellfish when there is an r in the month.

I only ever heard this one applied to oysters and, apparently, there is some truth in it. It seems that from June to August something affects the goodness of oysters. It may be that the heat makes them go off more quickly.

Here on the West Coat of the USA, we have an issue with Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) affecting the edibility of any shellfish during the summer months. During these months, the phytoplankton that cause PSP proliferate rapidly, the shellfish eat them, and if a human consumes the affected critter, they are guarenteed a messy, painful death.

That said, you may want to check with your local coastal authority before taking the kiddies out for that clambake.

The boring truth behind this one is that many organisms infecting shellfish proliferate in warmer weather.There should be an Aussie version. Tell us about it Oz.