Is my scoby dead?

[Croucho]

Hi everyone, I'm relatively new to this. My scoby used to be clear, with distinct layers but now it has turned cloudy with 2 small black specks. What's going on? Is it dead?

Yes, I keep it in a glass jar.
Also it's a funny shape because my friend gave me a chunk of theirs.

Any advice you have will.be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[IslandLizard]

Looks fine to me. When they're dead they become like snot and fall apart.
What's the brown liquid your scoby is in? Tea and sugar?
It will grow to become round again if you make buch in a round jar. They take on the shape of the vessel.

 

[Croucho]

Hey, thanks so much for this.

It's left over liquid from my last round of first ferment (so yes, essentially tea and sugar). Its a little bit cloudy too although the final kombucha was clear.

I'll see about getting a round vessel! And in the meantime start on my next batch (white tea and pineapple).