What is so significant about a Koi fish?

The Koi fish is described as a very colorful larger goldfish and are said to have originated in the Caspian and Black Seas but have become very common all over Asia including in Japan and Korea. The word Koi itself is Japanese and translated to mean "carp", but a homophone of Koi is taken as meaning love, which is why Koi fish are sometimes given as gifts in Japan and other cultures.

There are a large span of varieties of Koi ranging from the Kohaku which are the common white with a red pattern, to the Asagi which are a koi with light blue scales on top and red scales on it's bottom. Each coloration also tends to have it's own meaning which tend to vary culture to culture. The Koi fish is not just recognized in the Japanese culture though, it is also part of Indian culture. As a Buddisht Eight Auspicious Signs it is said that a pair of golden koi fish are said to represent happiness, but they are also said to represent the two rivers in Northern India, the Yamuna and Gangres.

Many people today tend to idolize the koi in the means of getting a tattoo, but why? Koi are also said to turn into dragons or so the Japanese tales say and for this reason it is often thought of as a symbol of inspiration or a goal in life. The Koi fish as a tattoo is also sometimes taken to mean a close family bond as well as a meaning of courage. For the most part Koi fish are thought to be good luck charms for their owners or wearers.