The koi fish

The koi fish is not only one of the main components of Chinese mythology, but also one of the most recurrent motifs in the skin of tattoo fans.

According to legend, this fish was able to ascend the course of the Yellow River of China and climb one of its waterfalls. As a reward, it was turned into a dragon, which is why this tent looks similar to these mythological creatures.

During the 19th century, rice farmers in China began to fish koi and cross different species, and thus obtained specimens of different colors. However, many still attribute to the Japanese the art of crossing species until they obtain the so-called colored carp, or Nishikigoi (Living Jewels).

Decades later, the symbolic charm of these fish has been adapted by tattooists around the world and turned into a recurrent design for its meaning, which always points to reasons of self-improvement and self-realization. However, both the design, the color or the design of a koi fish can symbolize totally different things, and we will explain the meaning of the koi fish tattoo according to its color and motives.
Black Koi

Although this color does not inspire enough admiration, the black koi fish symbolizes the ability to face adversity on the way to that waterfall to ascend, to that goal not so easy to reach.

See also: The koi fish: a very colorful Japanese symbol

Blue Koi

One of the most claimed designs is the koi fish in blue, of very masculine symbolism. It also means reproduction or usually evoke the son of the family, in addition to the blue color is synonymous with peace and relaxation.
Red Koi

The red koi fish tattoo often symbolizes love, the greatest force that can invade the life of the human being in spite of other adverse or too agitated currents. The red color, intrinsic to the Japanese culture, brings a more exotic and mystical aspect to the design.
Koi ying-yang

The ying-yang is one of the most millenarian philosophies of Asia, especially in countries like China. This symbol affirms that the world and the human being are composed of two opposing extremes that are totally dependent and necessary to reach equilibrium. A tattoo of two koi fish emulating the ying-yang symbol represents, obviously, the stability of the being.
Koi with lotus flower

The lotus flower is another of the great symbols of Asia thanks to a beauty that is reborn from the same clay and its millenary association with Buddhism. Associated with the koi fish, the tattoo that fuses both elements represents determination and effort to shine despite the hostile environment.
Koi Dragon

As we explained in the introduction, the koi fish managed to become a dragon as a reward for his audacity. If we analyze history better, the dragon inspires mystery and strength, and is also a metaphor for the rebirth of the fish in the form of another, more powerful creature. Transferred to the real world, the koi fish with golden scales evokes its transformation as a way to start again in life.

The symbolism of koi fish tattoo according to the color and motive will be a revelation for those readers who look for a beautiful design at the same time mysterious and symbolic. And, just as happens with icons such as the lotus or the classic mandalas, the Asian continent continues to be a place where nature, art and mythology seem to coexist through the centuries adapting to the new times.