Koi fish tattoos represent a myriad of emotions and themes in life, including familial or romantic love, overcoming adverse circumstances, prosperity, and simple good luck. 

Japanese traditional designs feature rich color, heavy single fill, and bold outline designs often covering large areas of skin. The elements – wind, fire, earth, water, wind – are also greatly important for filling out and supporting the major theme (shudai) of the koi fish.

The following article looks deeply into the various koi fish tattoo meanings created by Japanese ink. You can create an idea perfect for your own tattoo artist to bring to life on your skin.

Major Koi Fish Tattoo Symbolism

Koi fish have a positive, decorated history in Chinese and Japanese culture. Koi carp were domesticated and bred to produce particular versions of the beautiful fish to place in the pools of temples and the wealthy.

1. Dragon Koi Fish Tattoo Design

In Japanese legend koi fish are believed to be descended from dragons.

The story goes that once there was a huge school of fish made up of thousands of Koi swimming in the Yellow River in China. They went upriver, pushing against the current until they came to a waterfall. Many turned back, believing it was too difficult an obstacle.

Some koi, however, kept trying to jump over it. They kept at it for hundreds of years until finally, one koi made it to the top. To reward the bravery and persistence of this humble koi fish, the gods of the river turned that golden koi into a golden dragon.

Today the waterfall is known as the Dragon’s Gate, and some believe that any fish that can jump it will still be transformed into a dragon.

2. Koi Fish Yin Yang Tattoo Meanings

The popular yin yang tattoo is a design idea that often incorporates koi fish in the message – due to its links with perseverance and good fortune.