Ahem.........
Okay,
I am new here. I was actually looking for a few different varieties of Chams other than the ones I have. I am no breeder, just an admirer of nature and all of it's bounty and splendors. I found this post. This is an interesting thread to say the least.
Someone introduces a Cham that is "different", and automatically some will jump to conclusions on either side of the discussion. For those who say there is no proof that health issues are not causing the colorations, the opposite is true as well (sorry for the double negative). There is no evidence that it IS a health issue at this point. At least none presented on this forum that I have seen. All of this debate is speculative at best.
The definition of disease leaves one to wonder:
" 1. a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavorable environmental factors; illness; sickness; ailment.
2. any abnormal condition in a plant that interferes with its vital physiological processes, caused by pathogenic microorganisms, parasites, unfavorable environmental, genetic, or nutritional factors, etc.
3. any harmful, depraved, or morbid condition, as of the mind or society: His fascination with executions is a disease.
4. decomposition of a material under special circumstances: tin disease. "
Oddly enough, when the word disease first appeared in text, it's definition was merely "discomfort". Lots of things are labeled disorders/diseases these days by genetic experts but most often not. They are usually diagnosed by people like family doctors, vets, school nurses, teachers, and people who are simply like you and I and they take that to some doc who writes them a prescription for something without any tests. ADD/ADHD being a very GOOD example (since we are using human references on this thread). There is still so little actually known about most genetic disorders. Even the most experienced breeder is not a Geneticist by experience alone. Herpatology is such a vast area of study and exploration and most vets know very little about Herps. Let's not forget that they practice/study on humans for much of their schooling. So even they don't know everything.
We see so many Cham hybrids out there that are varied with dark shades of purple and almost black trim around Veiled blues and greens for sure. Perhaps this is a true purple and not black, but to the eye it appears so. I can not judge by pictures and I am no expert. Some flowers are labeled blue when in fact they are violet. Very few are true blue. I am not sure about these mysterious "black" spots, but it is certainly interesting. Since the young were born with it according to the original poster, and may not have been exposed to light burns. It could be just a color trait, or maybe a disease.... it is most likely genetic. But I could be totally wrong and I am certainly no expert on this. Burn marks are not inherited as far as I know. I don't think even a Vet should attempt to diagnose anything over the internet hundreds or thousands of miles from the supposed animals in question. Maybe these are birth marks if you will. Fascinating, really.
Fact: There was a time when all humans were one color too.
Not trying to voice an approval or disapproval. Please do not read anything into my post. I mean no insult or harm to anyone and I only want the best for all animals involved.
-Bobbi
Its a case of "whatever floats your boat" and looking at this thread it looks like most people like them,But honestly do they really look more attractive then the way nature intended??? i dont think so, they look like they have been sprayed and the paint is flaking away to reveal an evil black under coat,
(soz tyler 
