Koi fish are probably one of the most popular and deeply symbolic of all the Japanese tattoo designs. In the Japanese mythology it is said that koi fish swim up this mythical stream seeking enlightenment.As they struggle and fight to swim up stream they learn lessons from other animals and they evetually get to the top of the stream and become enlightened and turn into a dragon. Thus as a tattoo they often represent the qualities of strength, power and fighting against the status quo or against adversity.
They are also seen as a symbol of good luck. Almost every temple in Japan from ancient times to this very day have some koi pond in front of them. They are seen to be strong and powerful yet at the same time deeply peaceful and reflective. Thus they make for a very power symbol to get a tattoo of
