Getting tattooed is not a decision you make overnight, and finding the right piece is essential. Luckily, a koi fish tattoo is a fantastic option. There are many variations of these designs, each with their unique meaning. A man who has been inspired by the tale of the dragon koi may get it inked to represent power and transformation. Those who love the idea of balance and harmony will be drawn to the koi depicted as the yin yang symbol. When deciding to get inked with a koi fish, your tattoo color is just as important as the style. For example, a red carp represents intense love, while a black one symbolizes adversity and appeals to someone who has overcome hardship in their life. If you are looking for inspiration for your next piece, look no further!
1. Koi Fish and Lotus Flower Tattoo
The combination of a koi fish and a lotus flower creates a powerful tattoo. The plant grows in muddy conditions and is associated with spirituality and strength, while the koi represents prosperity, good fortune, and power, among other things. The joining of these two elements could signify optimism and growth. A piece like this would appeal to someone who has struggled in the past and has become stronger from it.
2. Koi Fish Yin Yang Tattoo
Koi fish is highly valued in Japan, and those with the right coloring and patterns can be worth a lot of money. If you keep this in mind, it is not surprising that the animal is associated with good luck and fortune. The combination of the fish and the yin yang symbol has significant symbolism and is thought to represent abundance and perseverance. It is not uncommon to see the two images combined, and they can reflect balance and harmony.
3. Small Koi Fish Tattoo
If you want a piece that you can cover up whenever you wish, or prefer a more understated approach to body art, then a small tattoo is just what you need. Tiny ink has become a popular choice for both men and women because of its versatility. You are not limited in terms of placement and can get your design just about anywhere, whether behind the ear or on your wrist. Little pieces are also appealing because they are subtle yet cool.
4. Simple Koi Fish Tattoo
When deciding on getting a tattoo, there is no reason to get something extensive and detailed. Many men love the more simple approach, which is understated yet still meaningful. These minimalist designs are often stripped-back and focus on basic lines and shapes. It would be best if you also considered your lifestyle when getting any body art, and a tiny, basic tat is easy to conceal. These pieces are especially appealing if it is your first tattoo.
5. Traditional Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo
In Japan, the koi fish is meant to bring prosperity and good luck and can also be seen as a symbol of determination and perseverance. Men who value these qualities will be drawn to a design of the carp, but the style you choose can be just as impactful. Traditional Japanese tattoos, or Irezumi, have a very distinct look and can be defined by the bold lines and vibrant colors. Several images are typically inked, including tigers, dragons, and of course, the koi.
6. Koi Fish and Cherry Blossom Tattoo
If you have Japanese heritage or admire the culture, you may be drawn to a koi fish and cherry blossom tattoo. Both of these elements have importance in Japanese culture. The flowers are commonly associated with beauty and existence; the blooms don’t last long, serving as a reminder of how fleeting life can be. At the same time, the koi fish represents luck and prosperity. When these two images are combined, it takes on powerful symbolism. It is also a visually exciting and bold body art option.
7. Avatar Koi Fish Tattoo
Inspiration for tattoos can come from your favorite song or movie, and fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender will love the two koi fish from the series. In the animation, the Moon Spirit, Tui, is represented as a white koi fish with a black spot on its head. La is the Ocean Spirit and is black with a white spot on its head. Together, they symbolize balance. Not only is there a significant meaning behind this ink, but it is also quite striking in appearance.
8. Black Koi Fish Tattoo
Koi fishes are some of the most colorful creations around, and their markings make them unique. They have been bred to have distinct colors, and each shade represents something different. The black koi is associated with adversity and strength. It is appealing to someone who has overcome hardship in their past, whether that be depression or a difficult relationship. When deciding to get inked with this design, the tat’s rich symbolism makes it deeply personal. The wearer will likely choose a visible spot to be reminded of the meaning behind it.
9. Black and Grey Koi Fish Tattoo
One of the most appealing things about getting a tattoo is the ability to get creative with your design. When deciding on koi fish body art, there are so many variations in style and color, allowing you to personalize your ink the way you want. A black and grey carp piece has many details and shading, creating more focus on the subject.
10. Red Koi Fish Tattoo
The color of your koi fish is essential, as each shade has a different meaning. Men who value bravery and courage should consider a red design because this fish is typically associated with these qualities. That is not the only meaning, though, and the bold hue is also linked to intense love, motherhood, and strength. The boldness of the piece will ensure that your chosen ink stands out and makes a statement.
11. Pisces Koi Fish Tattoo
Koi fish are often paired with various symbols and other images, including the yin yang and the lotus flower. That said, the animals can also represent the Zodiac sign, Pisces. The logo is of two fish, swimming in different directions. Keeping in mind the rich symbolism of the koi, a design like this could be associated with duality or convey the idea that the wearer is torn in two directions. If you are born between Feb. 19 and March 20, this would be an excellent choice for your next body art.
12. Watercolour Koi Fish Tattoo
Watercolor tattoos are a great way to make a design stand out against your skin. The combination of shades, expertly blended to look as though they are a painting, will make your piece a conversation starter. The style works well with animals and plants’ designs, and a koi fish is undoubtedly stylish and cool. It is crucial to keep in mind that this technique tends to fade faster than standard tattoo styles, so if you want it to last as long as possible, try to choose an area on the body that will not be continuously exposed to sunlight.
13. Dragon and Koi Fish Tattoo
The koi dragon is an ancient tale involving the fish transforming into the mighty mythological beast. It is believed that the carp, due to its perseverance, was rewarded by the Gods, that turned it into a dragon. The legendary creature is often celebrated as a symbol of power, strength, wisdom, and masculinity. When the two are combined, it takes on the meaning of transformation. If you find the story interesting or appreciate any of these qualities, then this tattoo is perfect for you!
14. Two Koi Fish Tattoo
If you are interested in the idea that everything in life is a push and pull, and we need certain things to create a balance, you will love the two koi fish tattoo. The thought behind this design is to represent duality and shows two fish swimming in different directions. They are opposite forces but cannot exist without each other. A popular color choice for this piece would be to make one fish black and the other white. The tattoo itself can be as simple or complicated as you wish, as it is more about the symbolism associated with it than the design.
15. Koi Fish Sleeve Tattoo
When deciding to get inked, a sleeve tattoo is not a decision that happens overnight. There is so much thought and creativity that goes into these designs, which typically start at the top of the arm and end at the wrist. You want to perfectly combine various elements to create one single piece that stands out. When choosing a koi fish sleeve tattoo, other images that work well with it include a lotus or the yin yang symbol. It is essential to keep in mind that this artwork will likely take multiple sessions to complete and not come cheap. That said, the end result is worth it!
16. Koi Fish Thigh Tattoo
When you choose to get tattooed, you need to consider your lifestyle. The attitude towards body art is changing, and it is becoming more common and acceptable, but some professions still require you to hide your ink. If you need to cover up, then consider the thigh tattoo as the perfect location. The area of skin is big enough to allow for detail; plus, as a bonus, the upper outer thigh is among the least painful spots to be inked!
17. Koi Fish Half Sleeve Tattoo
A half sleeve tattoo is, as the name suggests; a design that takes up half the arm. Instead of stopping at the wrist, this piece usually ends at the elbow. It is a fantastic choice for someone who wants to cover up their artwork when in more formal settings, and it will likely not hurt as much — the wrist has thin skin and a lot of nerve endings, making it painful to tattoo.
18. Koi Fish Back Tattoo
Sometimes, bigger is better! If you want a large, detailed design, you need a spot big enough to do it justice, which is why so many men love back tattoos. Another appealing thing about the location is that it is more intimate; you can show it off when you want but can leave your shirt on and keep it to yourself. That said, you may experience some discomfort with this area, considering the sheer size and the amount of time it would take to complete your piece. It is also worth noting that the closer you ink to the bone, the more it will hurt.
19. Koi Fish Leg Tattoo
A leg tattoo can be bold and bright, and it is an excellent location for body art when you want to make a statement. The skin area is large enough for significant detailing, allowing you to get creative in your placement and the design of your chosen body art. The best thing about this spot is that it is considered moderate on the tattoo pain chart scale. That said, the closer you ink to the knee or the foot, the more discomfort you can expect.
20. Koi Fish Calf Tattoo
Some tattoo designs are so good, they are meant to be seen, and you can do this by getting inked on your calf. If you are proud of your legs, you may also find this is a cool option as it will draw the eye towards your muscles, which also happens to be one of the most masculine parts of the body. The location is considered moderate on the tattoo pain chart scale because of the thicker skin, allowing you to get a larger and more detailed piece. It is also a great spot because you can cover it up if you wish.
Koi Fish Tattoo Meaning
Koi fish play an essential role in Chinese and Japanese culture and are highly symbolic fish. They are associated with qualities of determination, perseverance, strength, and good fortune. There are many variations of the designs, and the range of colors takes on different meanings.
Koi Fish Tattoo FAQs
What do the colors mean on koi fish?
The standard colors associated with koi fish are black, white, red, gold, and blue. Black koi represent adversity and are used to describe overcoming a struggle. White is for career success. Red is associated with intense love, and gold is linked to good fortune and prosperity. Blue is the most masculine option and symbolizes male energy and fertility.
Is it bad luck to get a koi fish tattoo facing down?
Koi fish swim upstream and are often portrayed this way, serving as a symbol of good fortune. If you get tattooed with a koi fish facing down, it symbolizes bad luck.
How much does a koi fish tattoo cost?
The cost of your tattoo will vary depending on the color, style, and size. If you opt for something small and simple, it will be cheaper than a detailed back or thigh piece. The average design will cost at least a couple of hundred dollars.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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