Koi tattoo is one of the  most colorful and beautiful tattoo designs. Equally popular among both  genders, these Koi fish designs owe their origin to Japan where koi is  associated with exceptional bravery. Since a koi fish has the ability to  swim even against powerful upstream water currents, it is considered as  a symbol of a new beginning by Japanese.
While  many believe in this symbolism, there are others who opt for Koi tattoo  because they feel it is a good sign that can ward off bad luck. There  are several other meanings associated with Koi tattoo designs but there  is one commonality in all the meanings and that is optimism. Some of the  most common meanings often associated with koi tattoo designs are:
•    Courage to brave all the challenges of life
• Determination and endurance even in critical situations.
• Good luck
• Independence and freedom.
• Strength to withstand the test of time
• Determination and endurance even in critical situations.
• Good luck
• Independence and freedom.
• Strength to withstand the test of time
Koi  tattoo designs are often inked in vibrant color tones and with  attractive background themes. Though mostly done in colorful hues, koi  design can also be inked in bolder shades of black. Yen Yang is one of  the popular Koi designs that are inked in black and white shades. A  combination of natural color schemes like white, red, black, yellow or  gold is also preferred by many who want to give a touch of traditional  style to their Koi tattoo.
However, one must consider skin tone before selecting the ink color for their design. For instance, it is always better for dark or olive skin to go for brighter and vibrant colors so that the design is visible. For
yellow  skin tone, golden, yellow and red are recommended. People with pinkish  tone are luckier because they can experiment with different ink colors.  Most of the color schemes integrate well with their skin tone.
Interesting background themes make a koi tattoo even more captivating. Usually a koi tattoo is depicted with splashing water. Some other complementary background themes can also be tried depending upon one’s preference.
Koi fish is often associated with honor and pride and hence this affects its positioning. Mostly, conservatives opt for hand, neck, forearm and the likes for a koi tattoo and non-conservatives go for navel, lower backs and even side of the neck and ankle.
However, one must consider skin tone before selecting the ink color for their design. For instance, it is always better for dark or olive skin to go for brighter and vibrant colors so that the design is visible. For
Interesting background themes make a koi tattoo even more captivating. Usually a koi tattoo is depicted with splashing water. Some other complementary background themes can also be tried depending upon one’s preference.
Koi fish is often associated with honor and pride and hence this affects its positioning. Mostly, conservatives opt for hand, neck, forearm and the likes for a koi tattoo and non-conservatives go for navel, lower backs and even side of the neck and ankle.