Yep looks like he is going to shed. As for the scale rot...my guess would be that since he is going to shed that those scales have started to seperate from the new ones (that is why they appear darker). I wouldn't worry till after the shed then you can see if they got worse.


Just note you might see a little blood (spots on the substrate or belly) from those scales when he sheds. Since the scales are basically ruined they sometimes have to pull a little to come off...like a scab. Nothing to worry about but didn't want you to freak out.