Bearded Dragon 18 month Male Beard Turns Black

Question
Bearded Dragon 18 month Male Beard Turns Black. Why?  What are the causes and what brings this on?  Is this a normaal bearded dragon characteristic?

Answer
Hi Dave,

Beard darkening is quite normal in adult males and occurs to a less dramatic extent in females. They use it as part of their territorial, defense and mating display, often inflating the beard at the same time. The entire chest area may darken as well. Seeing their own reflection in glass will sometimes trigger it! A startled or threatened dragon may also darken and inflate his beard and flatten his entire body to appear larger and more intimidating to predators.