The spikes can change to black just like the beard of course this generally happens when they are angry,feeling ill or wanting to mate so yes if they are changing to black when you approach him then it is him giving you a warning to back off.With that said I would ignore the warning and go right ahead and show him who's boss!Venom508":296b9 said:he has some black spikes near his cheek i cant put up pix cuz i dont have a camrea it said on another site that he is challenging me and if hes eating and pooing normally not to worry but i am. any help??