Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi Fish Tattoos

Meaning & Symbolism of Koi Fish

Koi fish as tattoos are most often associated with Japanese tattoos and can be accompanied by kanji script (click here for kanji translation). They can look impressive either on their own or part of a larger piece integrating other elements from Japanese mythology. The actual color and size of the koi fish doesn't mean anything.

Koi are a type of carp and have been cultivated and bred in Japan for possibly thousands of years. If you have been to Japan you will notice they are a common feature in most traditional Japanese gardens. They most likely originated from Eastern Asia, Aral, Black and Caspian Seas. Earliest records of Koi have been found in China and have been widely spread in Japan.

Stacy shows her koi fish tattoos © Stacy, Flower Mound, USA

To the Japanese the koi fish (also known as carp) symbolizes perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals. Koi are also known for good fortune and luck.

More Koi Facts:

The Koi Fish symbolizes courage in the Buddhist Religion. According to Buddhists, humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water.
The Koi is associated with the family. On Children's Day Koi flags are raised, Black Koi the father, Orange/Red mother, Blue/White for a boy, red/pink for a girl.
Another word to describe "love" is "koi". The kanji character for "kokoro (heart)" is included as part of both kanji characters. Both "ai" and "koi" can be translated as "love" in English.

Picture of a koi fish tattoo in progress.

Koi fish tattoo in progress © Michelle Heinemann

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Japanese Style Koi Fish Tattoo
Tats is a life style... Love to get more Japanese style working on a bad ass dragon at the moment.

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First tattoo Koi Fish, got it on my honeymoon, first day there took 4 hours sitting, done by Tim Ebbels from 'Borderline Tattoos' in Queensland Australia....

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My koi tattoo took 3 hours by artist Luigi from Pasay, Philippines. It was just made on December 24 and I'll be back to finish it :-)

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It took an hour, its just a small tattoo in memory of my friend (Issac fisher) who took his life July 4th 2007. The koi fish symbolizes maturity to me,...

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First tattoo was about 2 1/2 hours but i have to go back to get it finished. the artist free handed the koi. very impressed for my first.

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Dragon koi. Three FREESTYLE sessions. fcuk stencil. 3hrs+ ea. session. PO to the GO!

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Took 3 HOURS...

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It took 7 hrs.

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i wanted something no one had...

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Big carp fish on lower leg, it took 1.30 hours. artist, Ian Styles from Newcastle, that is me...

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This was a cover up tattoo. Took quite a few sessions to cover a nasty dolphin tattoo that I got years ago after a few too many drinks!!

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It is a Koi fish wrapped around a sort of Japanese inspired cross. It took over 4 and a half hours.

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Its a Koi fish about to swim back up river. I got it March 21, 2008. By Gregg From CMB in Huntsville, Al. This tattoo means a lot to me because I just ...

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This is 1 of 4 that I have. It is an eye in space with probes sticking out of it. Its only part so far.

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It is two girls making a "V" almost with a somewhat closed top with a blue heron in the middle standing in water with the sun. It took about an hour and ...

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I have quite a few tattoos ... One however that happens to already be a cover up ... I have had for ten years and Im in the process of getting it covered ...

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