dark spots on red eared slider

Question
Hi.  I have a red-eared slider named "Freddie" that is about 4 inches long.  I have had him for 8 months and have done a lot of research on proper care of him.  Yet, in the last week I began to notice a few black spots on Freddie's "ear".  You know the red spot?  I didn't know if it was actually an ear or not:)  I know that their shells can eventually turn almost black due to (melanism?) and it is completely normal.  But, does that include their fleshy parts.  Can they turn black also?  The spots are about the size of a pin point.  But there are four of five of them.  Please help.  I love this little guy!

Answer
As Red-ears get older, they change color to a duller shade. it is common for black or dark speckling to occur on the ears.

Here is a pic of an older Red-ear- is the speckling shown here what you are seeing?

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/world_of_turtles/Red-eared_Sliders_-Trachemys_s...