The Koi is strong enough to swim against the current up stream this can mean two things:



The Koi fish is pure will - The act of swimming upstream shows the will of the koi and that the current is no challenge for the resistance that it feels as it swims upstream. Will could also be interpreted as desire , a great master once said that a strong wish was the most powerful force in the universe. So the Koi tattoo can be a symbol of our strength and will in the world and spirit to move forward no matter what.

The Japanese Koi fish - Koi fish, or "colorful carp"), are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp. Koi in Japanese tattooing plays an important role in both Chinese and Japanese myths, legends, and stories. In many of the Japanese and Chinese stories, Koi are transformed through their efforts and perseverance, able to climb waterfalls or become dragons. The Koi as a symbol that represents perseverance in the face of adversity and strength of character or purpose. The Carp can also represents wisdom, knowledge, longevity, and loyalty.

Koi fish tattoo - Koi fish, or carp, are ornamental carp. Koi in tattooing plays an important role in Japanese myths and stories. In many of the Japanese stories, Koi are transformed through their efforts and perseverance, it is said that if they climb the dragonds gate they great become dragons. The Koi as a symbol that represents perseverance in the face of adversity. The Carp can also represents love, longevity, loyalty and knowledge,. There is a short story by Mukoda Kuniko called the Koi-san that describe the koi as symbolizing friendship and love.

Japanese Tattoos include different varieties

Kohaku - a red pattern white-skinned Koi,

Taisho Sanshoku (Sanke) - a red and black pattern white-skin Koi

Showa Sanshoku - black-skin Koi with a red and white pattern

Tancho - Any koi with the only red being in a circle on its forehead. The fish can be a

Asagi - Koi with blue scales on its top and red scales on its underside

Shusui - the partially scaled version of an Asagi

Bekko - a white, red, or yellow-skinned Koi with a black pattern

Utsurimono - a black Koi with a red, white, or yellow pattern

Goshiki - red, white, brown, and blue accents with mostly black Koi

Ogon - Koi known colors - red, orange, platinum, yellow and cream that is one solid color, can be regular or metallic.

Kin Gin Rin - Koi The name translates into English as "Gold Silver Scales"with shiny scales. There are also Gin Rin versions of almost any other type of koi.

Kawarimono kawarigoi - Different types of Koi

Doitsu-goi - German Carp

Koromo - Koi with areas of blue-edged scales aligned neatly