Koi Tattoo Meaning
(at-a-glance):

• Determination
• Aspiration
• Bravery
• Perseverance
• Success
• Luck
• Excellence
• Good fortune
• Willpower
• Transformation
• Intelligence
• Diligence

Koi is actually a type of carp or sturgeon.  Chinese legend tells us of the few, strong and proud koi who swum upstream with the promise of being transformed into a magnificent dragon. 

These courageous koi fought against raging currents of the Lung Men (known as the Dragon’s Gate) on the Yellow River.  It is said these determined fish showed grand excellence and brave-heartedness in their desire to become dragons. 

What’s more, their arduous upstream battle to become dragons was made more challenging because only during a certain time could this transformation take place.  Only during the third full moon of each year.  A small window of opportunity, but to a willing few, the promise of metamorphosis from fish to dragon was worth the risk.

Koi tattoo meanings also deal with intelligence, and in Chinese symbolism these fish represent success in academics, scholarly persuits and high acumen.

Other Koi tattoo meanings:

• Gold koi = wealth and prosperity
• Platinum or silvery koi = success in business
• Black koi = most likely to cross Lung Men and win transformation into dragons.  Symbolic of success after a change.
• White koi = advancement in social settings (career and family)
• Red koi = (red markings) success in love and romance.

I hope you have enjoyed these thoughts on koi tattoo meanings.

For more information, continue your research with:

Symbolic Meaning of Japanese Koi

Water Totems and Meanings

Symbolic Meaning of Fish (general)

Chinese Dragon Meanings