20 Koi Fish Tattoo Designs For Tattoo Enthusiasts!

Tattoos have been used by humans from times immemorial to proclaim their adherence to a clan, cult, doctrine, etc. In this day and age, we ink with a purpose, which can be anything from honoring our memorabilia, favorites, motivational quotes, triggers, etc. Some can even be a spur-of-the-moment inspiration from a tattoo that bowled you over at first sight in that fashion mag! Koi Fish Tattoo designs are a rage for multiple reasons. First is its aesthetic appeal. It is also used as a motivational trigger or a mental health reminder. 

The Spiritual Relevance Of Koi Fish Tattoos 

Oriental art forms are steeped in myths and beliefs. Koi fish is a prominent part of the Japanese and Chinese cultures (1). ‘Koi’ is the Japanese word for carp as Koi fish belongs to the variety of fish called carps. They are colorful fishes that are domesticated and kept as pets.  

Anything colorful as a Koi Fish finding its place in art is no wonder. But it has a beautiful story of perseverance which makes people opt for koi fish tattoo designs for their substance. It is stated in the legend that the koi fish managed to swim against the river currents and go up the waterfall which was called the Dragon Gateway to transform into a beautiful dragon. This positivity that it brings is the rationale why many Fengshui and Vastu experts are advising the incorporation of a water feature in the home with koi fish to attract good luck. 

Koi fish is depicted in numerous ways in tattoos to mean a different number of things. The color, placement, numbers, and accompanying features keep each koi fish tattoo design unique. 

Color:  

Violet: Violet koi fish designs are chosen by those who are ambitious as the color violet is associated with royalty and superior wisdom. 

Blue: Blue koi fish tattoo designs stand for boys, depth, inner meanings, positivity, getting ahead, etc., and are chosen by those who either love the color or the meaning behind it. 

Green: Green is chosen by those who know how to keep a balance among things. Green stands for communication and diplomatic skills. It is also a favourite choice of environment enthusiasts and those who have a green thumb. They will know how to make a deeper connection with others as their heart chakra will be in full swing. It also denotes material wealth. 

Yellow/orange/gold: Yellow is a color associated with spiritual wisdom and learning. Those who choose yellow designs may be inclined towards aesthetic wisdom and sciences. Orange is also a popular choice of color for koi fish tattoo designs because of its aesthetic appeal and the high vibrational energies. Orange is associated with the sacral chakra in our body which stands for creativity and enjoyment. Gold is a color that many include in their tattoos for the regal touch and to attract prosperity. Some like bling and they want to show off their extroverted self JLT! 

Red: Red is a popular choice of color to dominate koi fish tattoo designs. Reason number one is that the color is easily noticeable. Secondly, it stands for passion. It is associated with strong feelings, determination, romantic feelings, erotica, etc. It is opted by those who want to proclaim that they are creatures of desire. 

White: Koi fish in white tattoo designs, koi fish tattoo stands for peace and success. 

Position: 

The Koi fishes are supposed to look up in a tattoo. Its position near the heart shows the emotionality behind the tattoo. When placed on the stomach, it denotes more enjoyment. The placement of the tattoo is also based on the size of the tattoo. If you want an elaborate multi-colored one, you may need a bigger skin canvas for the extra detailing. 

Number:  

Superstitious tattoo enthusiasts also look for the number of koi fish to be inked on them to make sure that it brings them good luck. Nine koi fishes indicate longstanding fortune, except that the fishes will be miniature ones. A pro can make it look not-so-crammed. Yeah!  

• One koi fish in koi fish tattoo designs shows determination and willingness to work hard. It shows the fighter in you who can do individual feats. 
• Two koi fishes bring out the duality in us- the animus and the anima. It also indicates yin and yang energy (good or bad energies), masculine and feminine energies, etc. It brings out the romance factor and the urge to be one with your soulmate.  
• Three koi fishes are chosen by those who are megalomaniacs. They will love to communicate and advice. Trust me, they are the best at what they do. 
• Five koi fishes are supposed to be great for improving your communication and persuasive skills. 
• Six fishes in koi fish tattoo designs strengthen the Venus energy as six stands for luxuries and abundance. 

Why Koi Fish Tattoos Mean Mental Health? 

Koi Fish is said to have the ability to swim against the currents which denotes perseverance and endurance. These qualities are reflected in the koi fish tattoo designs which make one stagger out of any depressive or unmotivated phase. Koi fish denotes success and good health as well which brings about sound mental health. It is also to be mentioned that a black koi fish denotes a turnaround after a mental illness or financial troubles.  

20 Koi Fish Tattoo Designs That Will Make You Google ‘Tattoo Shops Near Me’ Right Away! 

1. Black Koi Fish Tattoo Designs 

This is a tattoo strategically placed at the back for a reason. Black koi fish are supposed to deflect the negative vibes. This tattoo can be worn to protect yourself against backstabbers.

These koi fish designs at the back make one confident that they are marching ahead in their game and no misfortune can keep up with them. This kind of black koi fish tattoo design at the back with koi fish swimming up symbolizes positive energy creeping up the spine to give you positive thoughts. It can also denote a rise in kundalini energy in an Indianized way. 

2. Floral Koi Fish Tattoo Designs 

This cute one is sure a girly one placed near the ribcage on the side. It has floral elements to match the vibrant color of the Koi fish tattoo. The ripples on the water are also artfully inked into this tattoo to make it look real. This one is a testimony to the efforts a professional tattoo artist put in to make a tattoo unique and lifelike.  

3. Red Koi Fish Tattoo Designs 

Red color stands for passion, especially masculine erotic passion. This koi fish tattoo design on the back of a woman can symbolize the urge to be the object of her man’s deepest sexual fantasies. It can also mean how much the passionate feelings of her man surging up means for her.

The floral elements in these designs can indicate a liking for some courtship and romantic gestures to slowly transition into passionate and steamy lovemaking. 

4. Line Tattoo + Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

Koi fish tattoo designs are versatile enough to incorporate other elements like this directional sun-moon line tattoo design with a pole star like this one which reminds us that our efforts and perseverance do not go futile if we know where our efforts should be made. 

5. Koi Fish Tattoo Designs on Thighs

This is one of the beautiful blue koi fish tattoo designs on thighs which look feminine. It is looking up to indicate positive growth. The maple leaves in the water are a creative touch that makes the tattoo look even more colorful. 

6. Koi Fish Line Tattoo Designs

This is a simple yet cute line tattoo of a pair of koi fishes on the upper arm. It color but remains a strong reminder to have fun. A pair of koi fishes denotes partnership and the combination of masculine and feminine energies. 

7. Ornamental Koi Fish Tattoo Designs 

Japanese art incorporated in tattooing can bring out elaborate and intricate artwork. This mighty one here covers the left chest, shoulder, and the left shoulder blade. The red koi fish tattoo design is highlighted with a careful mix of black. Red tattoos are preferred by those who are expressive in their passion. Getting Ornamental designs like this one sure will take some time and endurance, hence indicating that the person being tattooed is adventurous and has a good pain threshold! 

8. Simple Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This is a simple koi fish tattoo that shows a determined koi fish swimming to its destination denoted by a star. This is for the ambitious lot who have swam a while without losing sight of the goal. The dots and stars on the path signify the milestones before you reach your goal. This one on the upper arm seems to remind us that no matter how distant or difficult your target is, you need to keep yourself inspired and relentlessly swim the troubled or placid waters until you reach your destination. 

9. Paired Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This tattoo near the rib cage features a pair of koi fishes swimming and enjoying. This simple design has inked their zest for swimming and each other. Paired koi fish tattoo designs stand for relationship luck and progress.  

10. Incorporated Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This is a tattoo that is inked on the upper arm wherein a koi fish is incorporated in a Chinese fan tattoo.  This sure reminds one to keep your cool despite your ups and downs. The Chinese concept of Yin and Yang (white and black, good and evil, masculine and feminine) is also incorporated. The two fishes also symbolize luck in a relationship. 

11. Minimalistic Shoulder Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This is a pair of Koi fishes at the shoulder which is minimalistic. No extra ink, no extra detailing, no extra colors- it is a matter of fact tattoo indeed. 

12. Lover’s Red Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This is again a minimalistic tattoo, and the use of red ink brings out the passion factor in the personality. The design is not a scary one with a bold design, but a subtle feminine one that screams romantic passion. The simple design in red with two koi fishes facing each other indicates an urge to be in a fun and longstanding relationship. 

13. Thighs Koi Fish Tattoo Designs with an Astrological Twist

The koi fish tattoo design on the upper thighs to the side is inked in such a way that they seem to be a part of a constellation. This is for the astrology enthusiasts who want the extra dose of luck the koi fishes can bring in. You can include your zodiac sign constellation or the constellation of Pisces in general.  

14. Koi Fish Ankle Tattoo Designs

Koi Fish can be beautifully drawn at the ankles to make a cute ankle tattoo. This is a black koi fish with a long tail to make it look playful. No colors, no distractions- just the koi fish, as too much pain, is not so worth it on an ankle tattoo unless you are going to expose it eternally. Ankle tats are always subtle as they are partially hidden. Again, individual perspectives differ! 

15. Tiny Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

You want it small, here it is.. The advantage of tiny tattoo designs is that they can be placed anywhere you like. It is also the best choice for a tattoo virgin or someone who wants to have a mysterious one they can hide anytime. This is a simple tiny design that looks cute and you can accommodate almost anywhere like an ear tattoo, wrist tattoo, neck tattoo, etc. 

16. Koi Fish Tattoo Designs With Spiritual Motifs

Do you want your lucky charm or spiritual motif included? Koi Fish Tattoo designs are a game! This is a colorful koi fish which has the elements of the Sun and the lotus. The placement of the Sun above and the lotus below stands for good luck and progress. The Sun is said to represent the soul in many cultures. It is a planet and a God according to many. Lotus also stands for numerous qualities like purity, abundance, beauty, etc. In the Indian culture, there are many Gods and Goddesses who are seen sitting on the lotus or holding it. Lotus as a water feature sure fits in the design. 

17. Unique Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This is a very unique and girly Koi Fish tattoo design which is all over your upper palm. The colorful fishes give a feeling like they are having fun swimming around your palm which is submerged in water. This can be nostalgic or a reminder to feed your fish folks if you are rearing any. 

18. Tribal Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

Tribal art is quite trendy and unique. In this illustration the tribal art is used to draw three koi fishes which look like they are swimming in a full circle. This denotes playfulness, togetherness, and unity. This may be opted for by the family-centric lot who had a few siblings while growing up. 

19. Koi Fish Tattoo Designs With a Quote

This is a sentimental romantic quote Koi Fish tattoo design to someone who believes in soulmates. The person believes that there are rebirths which also is not strong enough to separate two souls in two bodies. 

20. Chinese Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

This is a typical Chinese art at the upper part of the chest to show how close art is to her heart!  This one is colorful with all the flora, fauna, and aquatic features. The fins of some other fishes in the pond are also inked with finesse. This one sure points out to what extent you can make your tat colorful. 

Who can get a Koi Fish Tattoo? 

Anyone who is a fan! 

Koi fish tattoo designs are unisex. A bold Koi fish tattoo in black is supposed to be the symbol of masculinity and fatherhood (2). But if you want to go simple, girls can have a black cute one and be totally appropriate! As there are simple and minimalistic variants besides the bold, elaborate, and colorful ones, there is a koi fish tattoo for anyone and everyone. If you have a huge pain threshold, you can get big, elaborate ones. If you do not have one, you can always get a minimalistic, tiny koi fish tattoo for your wish’s sake. 

Final Thoughts 

Koi fish tattoo designs are awesome, no doubt. If you are a fan of eclectic designs, you can incorporate different elements into the designs and make your body an artwork in itself. The good thing is that there are no hard and fast rules about this. You want to go minimal, so be it! If you want to go showy with a full torso Koi fish tattoo with spiritual motifs and good luck charms, you go girl! 

Your body- your style! You own it, hence love it your way!