65 Koi Fish Tattoo Design Ideas With Meanings
Carry a bit of Japanese luck on you by choosing one of these incredible ink designs.
Jingxi Gu is a licensed tattoo artist originally from Shanghai, China. She is also the owner and lead artist at Patch Tattoo Therapy in Tarzana, CA, which offers custom tattoos and tattoo training workshops for aspiring tattoo artists. Jingxi graduated from the top art program at Tsinghua University and specializes in Chinese painting and Asian traditional styles, both of which are rooted in ancient Chinese art, and translates them into today’s most visible and intimate canvas: the human body.
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Experience: 3 yearsNisha is a contributor to StyleCraze and has 3 years of experience in content writing for different genres. She is a makeup aficionado and combines her love for makeup and writing to provide her readers with the latest information in the beauty world.
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Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
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Koi fish tattoo designs are a forever favorite among tattoo enthusiasts, and if you are looking for tattoo inspiration, this is the right stop. Koi fish is a popular subject of art, and anyone who has a thing for meaningful and intricate designs can’t deny the gorgeous Koi fish.
The classic Koi fish tattoos are done in a Asian traditional style and are inspired by the rich cultural traditions. According to the Chinese, the fish represents good luck for research and trade. Even Buddhists perceived Koi fish as a symbol of courage.
There are many ways to wear Koi ink, and each signifies a different thing. A school of Koi represents a bond. Koi is a prominent part of traditional Japanese paintings, too. According to mythology, when a Koi reaches the top of a waterfall by swimming against the stream of water, it gets transformed into a dragon. Hence, it symbolizes enthusiasm, accomplishment, willpower, and determination.
Different colors of Koi represent different things. For example, red Koi stands for romance, orange stands for mother, pink Koi signifies a mother-daughter relationship, and the golden Koi is known as Yamabuki and signifies well-being and wealth. The black Koi represents overcoming obstacles, and the blue Koi represents serenity and tranquility.
These tattoos make for a beautiful and bold piece of ink work. Here are some Koi tattoos to draw inspiration from. Keep scrolling to check them all out!
Different colored koi fish carry different meanings. The red koi symbolizes passionate love and romance. The orange koi represents the mother of the family, and the pink koi is a symbol for the daughter. Red koi can also indicate authority and courage. The golden koi, known as yamabuki in Japanese culture, denotes capital and good well-being. The black koi represents overcoming an obstacle in life. The blue koi symbolizes harmony, tranquility, and serenity.
Quick TipIf you want to tattoo this exquisite creature on your body, check out our list of 39 cool koi fish tattoo ideas.
In This Article
65 Meaningful Koi Fish Tattoo Designs
If you want to tattoo this exquisite creature on your body, check out our list of 65 cool koi fish tattoo ideas.
1. Colored Koi Fish Tattoo
A Koi fish tattoo represents good luck and prosperity. This body art features a bright orange Koi fish in all its glory. Its prominent fins are outlined with deep black pigment. The blue backdrop of the tattoo indicates water. This tattoo covers a large section of the wearer’s shoulder extending up to the upper arm. It is etched in a traditional fashion to give it a vivid look. The design indicates the wearer’s strong will and determination.
2. Two Koi Fish Tattoo
This tattoo features two black and gray Koi fish forming a semi-circle. Their tails are entangled. This design represents the friendship between two fish. It is illustrated in a minimalistic style. It covers a large section of the wearer’s back shoulder, allowing them to flaunt it at will.
3. Koi Fish Forearm Tattoo
This amazing design on the forearm looks vivid. It features two Koi fish swimming side by side in deep water. The oceanic backdrop is sketched with blue and black pigments. The small flowers offer an aesthetic appeal. The faded orange fish with their striking fins look bold. The bright white ink on the scales makes the fish appear shiny. The design covers the wearer’s forearm entirely, allowing him or her to flaunt it openly to the world.
4. Koi Fish Thigh Tattoo
This artwork is in one word ‘breathtaking’. It looks so vibrant both up close and from a distance. The big Koi fish looks striking in all its glory. Its magnificent fins, slightly shaded with the orange hue, offer a vivid appearance to the fish. The black outline adds depth. The blue water background gives the illusion of the fish floating. The two small flowers add a natural touch to this beautiful tattoo.
5. Simple Koi Fish Tattoo
This Koi fish tattoo has a simple but eye-catching look. The fish has an orange head and body but the fins are sketched with black ink. The negative spaces in the body make the tattoo look realistic. The dark black outline offers a 3D effect to the tattoo. This small motif will also look good on the neck and feet. You can also go for a fish hook tattoo beside the koi to add more meaning to your design.
6. Koi Fish Spine Tattoo
This marvelous tattoo covers a significant part of the wearer’s back. The black wave pattern offers an illusion of movement. Some scales of the fish are colored with black pigment to create the illusion of the fish twisting in water. This tattoo is a visual representation of the wearer’s affinity towards the Koi fish and what it stands for.
7. Matching Koi Fish Tattoo
This matching tattoo on a couple indicates their strong faith in each other. The Koi fish are etched in a minimalist fashion. On one hand, the striking Koi motif is etched with black and white inks, while on the other hand, black and gray pigments are used. The shaded scales in both the fishes add depth to the designs. The stripes on the fins also make them look realistic.
8. Pisces Koi Fish Tattoo
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This tattoo on the inner bicep of the wearer looks striking. It is etched in a fine-line style. The two Koi fish are positioned in a way to create the Pisces symbol. This artwork is done with basic black and gray pigments. The wave patterns below the fish make the design appear realistic. Both the fish are subtly shaded to offer a bold look.
9. Koi Fish Black And White Tattoo
This Koi fish tattoo has a straightforward design. It is heavily shaded with black ink that adds depth to the tattoo. The white ink on the scales and face of the fish impart a shiny look. The prominent fins and the vivid eye of the fish are carefully drawn to offer a realistic appearance. The placement on the front shoulder allows the wearer to show or hide the design at will. You can also size up or size down the tattoo as per your choice.
10. Koi Fish With Flowers Tattoo
This tattoo features a bright Koi fish intertwined with pink, red, and yellow flowers. The tattoo represents fertility and the wearer’s hope for prosperity. The dark blue-green leaves around the fish complete the design. It covers a significant part of the wearer’s forearm. You can also sketch this artwork on your leg.
11. American Traditional Koi Fish Tattoo
This vivid tattoo features an orange Koi fish swimming in clear blue water. The flowers and leaf patterns on the sides create an unfinished frame to the design. The vibrant red, green, and blue hues in the artwork offer a striking look. Etched in the American traditional fashion with bold black outlines and bright primary colors, this artwork is simply outstanding.
12. Koi Fish Chest Tattoo
This Koi fish tattoo is illustrated on the chest with black and gray ink. Heavy shading effects are used on the background with a few negative spaces to create the illusion of waves. The flower motifs extending on the left arm of the wearer complete this tattoo.
13. Koi Fish Shoulder Tattoo
This Koi fish tattoo is etched in an outline fashion with deep black pigment. It has a simple design with subtle shading effects on the fins. The motif covers a small part of the wearer’s shoulder, allowing him or her to showcase it at will. The shiny eye of the fish makes it look striking from afar. You can also add a splash of colors to this tattoo if you like vibrant artwork.
14. Koi Fish Neck Tattoo
If you love cute body art, this one will interest you the most. It features a small Koi fish etched on the side neck. The gloomy backdrop makes the motif look prominent. The slight shading effects on the fins and the orange splashes on the fish’s body make the tattoo look realistic.
15. Red And Black Koi Fish Tattoo
Red and black koi fish symbolize passionate love and deadly aggression. This tattoo features a Koi fish with a vibrant red body and head and black shaded fins. The stripes on the fins look alluring. The motif is drawn in such a way as to create an illusion of movement. You can also size down this tattoo and sketch it on your wrist to flaunt it openly.
16. Koi Fish Circle Tattoo
This mesmerizing tattoo on the upper arm features two Koi fish in a circular waterbody. The black wavy patterns in the circle along with the shaded effects create an illusion of waves. The dark black border of the circle makes the design prominent. One fish enters the circle from beneath the border while the other enters from above. The striped fins look appealing. You can also add blue pigment to the design to make it more lifelike.
17. Koi Fish And Cherry Blossom Tattoo
In Japanese art, both Koi fish and cherry blossoms hold deep significance. Koi fish represents success and positivity. Cherry blossoms, on the other hand, symbolize transient beauty. This tattoo features the stem of a cherry blossom with four flowers. The bright red ‘Sakuranbo’ at the stem’s base completes the design. The koi fish etched with deep black pigment in a minimalist fashion looks bold. The negative space in between the scales adds a 3D effect to the tattoo.
18. Tribal Koi Fish Tattoo
Tribal tattoos symbolize pride in one’s tribal clan. Wearers of tribal tattoos showcase their admiration and tribute to their family’s lineage. This Koi fish tattoo is etched with deep black ink. The intricate tribal patterns on each scale of the fish make it visually appealing. The negative spaces in the dark textured face offer an excellent appearance to the artwork.
19. Koi Fish Rib tattoo
Getting a rib tattoo is painful and the area takes time to heal. Therefore, wearers with Koi fish tattoos on their ribs genuinely admire the fish and believe the associated symbolic meanings. This artwork features a simple Koi fish motif sketched with black pigment. It is positioned diagonally on the rib area.
20. Chinese Koi Fish Tattoo
Chinese Koi fish have a robust body shape. They have red, white, and black scales. In Chinese culture, Koi represents peace in the family and a hope for fame. This tattoo features a Chinese Koi fish that looks vibrant. The black outline makes the shape of the fish prominent. The subtle black shading on the edges of the fish adds depth to the design.
21. Koi Fish Couple Tattoo
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This couple’s tattoo is simply dreamy. Both Koi fish have the same structure and patterns but are inked with different colors. The lotuses beside the Koi fish are a sign of their beautiful love and precious bond. The deep black outlines on the scales offer a bold appeal to the design. The fins are shaded with a yellow hue at the edges. The motifs are positioned on the forearms, allowing the couple to flaunt it openly to the world.
22. Koi Fish Tattoo on Feet
This Koi fish tattoo is etched with vibrant orange ink. The white and black shading on the scales gives a 3D appeal to the tattoo. The blue backdrop of the tattoo gives an appearance of the wide, blue sea. This Koi fish motif on the feet motivates the wearer to take a refreshing dip in the pool.
23. White Koi Fish Tattoo
White Koi fish symbolizes success in all aspects of life. This tattoo illustrates a vivid white koi with subtle black shading. The black-shaded backdrop makes the motif vivid. It covers a large section of the wearer’s shoulder. One can also sketch this artwork on the leg or abdomen.
24. Butterfly Koi Fish
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A butterfly koi fish is a beautiful creature with long fins. The best part is that the fins of a butterfly koi keep getting longer throughout its life. This tattoo is etched in an outline fashion with dark black ink. This artwork on the wrist symbolizes the wearer’s desire for beauty and elegance.
25. Koi Fish Calf Tattoo
This tattoo features a simple black and gray Koi fish etched on the calf. The heavy shading technique used on the face, fins, and scales of the fish makes the motif appear realistic. You can also add some colors to this otherwise plain tattoo to make it more striking.
26. Koi Fish Skeleton Tattoo
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This fascinating design expresses the idea of life after death. The tattoo features two koi fish – one black skeleton koi, and another red living koi. Both the fish are etched in an outline fashion. They are positioned just above the knee, making it clearly visible unless the wearer hides it. You can also sketch this tattoo on your neck or wrist if you want to showcase it at all times.
27. Red Koi Tattoo
This stunning design of a red koi symbolizes guidance and passion. The striking deep red color in contrast with black will look great on your skin. Get this tattoo on your forearm to flaunt it in all its glory. The undertone of spirituality of this tattoo speaks of fortune, luck and positive circumstances.
28. Koi And Lotus Tattoo
If you are a fan of intricately shaded designs, this koi tattoo is sure to impress you. This realistic ink design of a koi splashing in a lotus-filled pond will make you want to get inked immediately. It will look great on your biceps.
29. Angry Koi Fish Tattoo
This monotone tattoo on your sleeve can represent the boldness in your attitude. The fierce expression of the koi symbolizes your willingness to take up challenges in life. This Chinese art-inspired tattoo is accented with waves, fish scales and flowers to enhance its overall appeal.
30. Face Koi Tattoo
Getting a tattoo on your face is not a very wise choice. However, if you want to be hooked to the look and go against the norm, this realistic koi tattoo design is perfect to go on the face. This watercolor, borderless design reflects your skin tone and looks like the koi are swimming on your face.
31. Koi Tattoo On Wrist
Flaunt this adorable gold koi design on your wrist. It features a lovely and well-detailed koi sketch with a red border and orange filling. The black-spotted design on the head of the koi will add a contrasting effect on your wrist, resulting in an ornamental and decorative effect.
32. Watercolor Koi Tattoo
This beautiful colored koi design is the perfect tattoo to go on your forearm. The thin outline with a splash of black and orange done in a watercolor effect adds a ton of beauty to this design.
33. Abstract Koi Tattoo
If you are a fan of abstract art, this stunning koi tattoo design is sure to catch your eye. The rough lines and strokes and patterns lend a distinct touch to this piece. The slight shading adds a touch of mystery. This elegant design will fit on your forearm seamlessly.
34. Blue Koi Tattoo
A blue koi fish symbolizes harmony. Get yourself inked on the back with this beautiful blue koi body art design. This design includes a blue koi fighting its way upstream in the water current. The detailed background and contrast make it even more appealing.
35. Koi Tattoo Sleeve for Women
Flaunt this full-sleeved koi tattoo done in a gorgeous Japanese art style. This black and white tattoo features intricate sketching, which complements the beauty of the design. The winged stork above the koi adds to the uniqueness of the tattoo. You can also go for a Japanese half sleeve tattoo with the same design if you like.
36. Small Koi Tattoo
This simple, thinly lined Asian koi design is the perfect tattoo to go on your forearm. The red head and super fine fins contrast beautifully with the spotted body, making this the ideal tattoo to be etched on your arm.
37. Leg Koi Fish Tattoo
Give your feet a happy treat with this trendy tattoo. This classy design uses warm colors and stretches from your calves to your feet. The thin outline and detailed shade work add charm to this piece.
38. Traditional Koi Fish
If you like keeping things traditional, you will love this simple koi fish design. This light golden koi tattoo with a contrasting blue lotus and black splash marks will look amazing on your forearm.
39. Band Koi Tattoo
This beautiful band tattoo circles around your forearm. The rich colors of the koi fish and surrounding pool are the trendiest way to take your band tattoo up a notch. Flaunt this beautiful design on a dark background to contrast with your skin tone.
40. Tiny Koi Tattoo On Hand
Flaunt your tattoo this charming koi fish tattoo on your wrist. This tattoo is small, but intricately detailed, and looks adorable. The two tiny pink blossoms look amazing in contrast to the monochrome carp.
41. Japanese Koi Tattoo Design
Japanese tattoo designs have an elegant vibe to it. This Japanese koi fish art beautifully showcases the uniqueness of the tattoo. The black ink of the tattoo creates a striking contrast with your skin, making it the ideal tattoo for your entire arm. The beautifully detailed blossoms and waves add another cool dimension to this piece.
A blogger expressed his deep-seated love for koi fish tattoo designs, attributing it to fond memories of the serene koi ponds in the Japanese gardens of San Francisco and San Jose. He writes, “While I love viewing ultra complicated & intricate Japanese style tattoos I was aiming for something that combined that style while still clearly being about the koi – hence the size of the fish (i).”
42. Realistic Koi Tattoo
If you are a fan of realistic tattoos, this beautiful one is perfect for getting etched on your arm. The detailed shade-work and delicate glossy finish bring the tattoo to life. Go for a full-sleeve tattoo with this design to stand out from the crowd.
43. Yin Yang Koi Tattoo
Combine Japanese and Chinese art styles to create this koi fish tattoo in the form of a Yin Yang symbol. This exclusive design with contrasting black and white shades symbolizes peace and liveness.
44. Watercolor Koi Tattoo
If you are a fan of watercolor art, this koi tattoo design is sure to impress you. This simple outline of a koi with splashes of orange looks delicate. This unique design is perfect to flaunt on your upper back.
45. Koi Tattoo With Japanese Lantern
This cute lantern charm tattoo is the perfect treat for your skin. The Chinese lantern and koi are symbols of good luck and prosperity.
46. Koi Japanese Slayer Tattoo
If you are looking for the coolest tattoo, this Japanese koi fish design is the perfect choice for you. The shaded red and orange fish with a distinct outline fills your arm perfectly.
47. Koi Fish With Spots
This elegant tattoo design of a golden spotted koi fish, adorned with flowers and waves, is the ideal tattoo to go on your legs. Flaunt your body with this Japanese art piece, and you are sure to make heads turn.
48. Black And Gray Koi Tattoo
If you are a fan of monochrome designs, this koi tattoo is sure to steal your heart. This elegant design features a delicate black and gray shaded koi with a thin outline. The Chinese style splash and flowers add to the glamour of this tattoo.
49. Mermaid Koi Fish
This beautiful tattoo featuring a princess with a beautiful flower and a koi swimming around her is the perfect design for your arm. The detailed design makes it the perfect piece to get inked on your body.
50. Back Koi Tattoo
Getting a full, back tattoo is a huge commitment and quite time-consuming, but we say, go for it! This vivid and colorful koi tattoo creates a stunning contrast against the black waves.
51. Fire Koi Tattoo
This modern tattoo design of a koi is one of a kind. It features a sketchy outline of the fish with a fire blazing on its back. Get it done on your thigh.
52. Koi Tattoo With Blossom
The orange shade of the koi looks stunning with the purple hue of the flowers. The bright color palette of this tattoo is sure to liven up your life. The beautiful shading makes it a perfect masterpiece for your skin.
53. Intricate Koi Tattoo
If you are looking for an intricate design for your tattoo sleeve, your quest ends here. This is a beautiful Japanese art-inspired piece done in blue and black. The line work on this tattoo is incredible, so we recommend you get it done by an experienced tattoo artist.
54. Sleeve Koi Tattoo
This beautiful design of a golden koi swimming down a blue stream will look amazing on your arm. The twist of the tail is aligned with the joint of the arm, giving it dynamic movement.
55. Japanese Waves Koi Tattoo with Chrysanthemum
If you are a fan of Japanese tradition and its art, try out this gorgeous tattoo. This pretty koi tattoo design features a fully bloomed chrysanthemum that adds to its feminine appeal. It will look absolutely gorgeous on your forearm.
56. Diagonal Koi back Tattoo
This elegant design of koi fish with an extensive outline and shading is a masterpiece in itself. The red flowers blossoming around the monochrome design make it look even more appealing. The broad layout covers your back extensively and gives it a classy look.
57. Orange Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo
This beautiful tattoo is done with bold strokes that make it a unique and elegant piece of work. The use of warm colors along with blue adds to its serenity. The broad and thin lines merge flawlessly to add to its appeal. Get this delicate design on your bicep and wear tank tops to flaunt it!
58. Goldfish Koi Tattoo
This tattoo is a lesson in contrasting colors. The black background makes the warm orange tones of the koi and flowers stand out beautifully. The light shade work and smart strokes to portray the water current make it even more appealing.
59. Bicep Koi Tattoo
This beautiful vintage design of a koi in dark water is a masterpiece in itself. The depth created with the dark background makes your arm look like a fishbowl for these stunning creatures.
60. Swimming Koi Tattoo
If you want a tattoo to showcase your life struggles on your body, this blue koi tattoo is the perfect design for you. The design features a splash of water and a koi fighting against the current to reach the top. The beautiful blue hues and light border will create a great contrast with your skin tone.
61. Ankle Koi Fish Tattoo
A tiny design on your ankle is the ideal tattoo for you if you are a fan of chic tattoos. This gorgeous tattoo features a koi fish drawn with intricate details. You can get a matching tattoo with your partner by incorporating a yin-yang theme into this design.
62. Black Koi Tattoo
This elaborate design features a koi fish in a pond. The pink lotus on the side makes it look even more appealing. This is the perfect tattoo to get inked on your thigh.
63. Dragon Koi Fish Tattoo
A beautiful dragon carp design will look great on your bicep. This tattoo features the complete transformation of a carp to a dragon. The shading and thin outlines of this tattoo are incredible.
64. Koi Fish In Pond Tattoo
This splendid tattoo features two swimming koi fish forming a perfect circle. While one fish is colored with gorgeous pink and peach hues, the left has been left uncolored, which creates a stunning juxtaposition.
65. Koi Swirl Tattoo
This unique tattoo is comprised of two koi fish that seem to be swimming around a whirlpool. The red swirl creates a striking contrast with the black and white koi fish.
Quick TipKey Takeaways
- Koi fish tattoos symbolize good luck, enthusiasm, willpower, determination, and accomplishment.
- Different colors of Koi fish tattoos convey different meanings from wealth and well-being to overcoming challenges, and serenity.
- If you are looking for a Koi fish minimalistic tattoo, consider designs such as a tiny koi tattoo on hand, and on the wrist.
- If you are looking for bold koi fish tattoos then choose from designs such as blue koi tattoo, realistic koi tattoo, or back koi tattoo.
Infographic: Tattoo Aftercare
If you loved these koi fish tattoo designs and are ready to get inked, there’s something else you need to learn more about aftercare tips for tattoos. Yes, it is extremely important to know how to take care of your tattoo and the skin that has been inked. These tips will not only prevent infections but also make your tattoo look vibrant and fresh for a long period of time.
Check out our infographic below to learn about tattoo aftercare! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The koi fish symbolizes a deep meaning for individuals who adopt it as part of their tattoos. If you plan to get a koi fish tattoo, do some research beforehand. The koi fish tattoo has a variety of meanings, but one of the most prominent is perseverance. Because the koi’s story has such a deep symbolism, it’s easy to see why so many individuals acquire this tattoo.
Remember that each color and symbol you add to the koi fish has a different significance, so consider what you want it to represent before you begin. Then, you can mix and match these exclusive motifs to create your one-of-a-kind koi tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color of koi fish tattoo is good luck?
Gold, orange, or yellow-colored koi fish tattoos are considered a sign of wealth, prosperity, and good luck.
Are black koi fish tattoos good luck?
Black koi fish tattoos symbolize strength and perseverance. You can mix it with gold or yellow to symbolize good luck and fortune.
Which way should a koi fish tattoo face?
This depends on which direction you want the koi fish tattoo to be. A koi fish swimming upwards is symbolic of perseverance and strength. A koi fish swimming downward is symbolic of freedom and independence.
How do I choose the right koi fish tattoo?
Pick a tattoo design that conveys a personal story of your love, strength, or life journey. Make sure whatever design you pick, flows with the natural curvature of your body. You can consider customizing an ink piece by deciding on what details, colors, and elements to include, or how you want the direction of the koi fish to be.
Illustration: Koi Fish Tattoo Design Ideas With Meanings
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Check out this video to see the top 50 koi fish tattoos! Get inspired by these amazing designs and find the perfect one for you!
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