What is the symbolic meaning of a Koi fish?

Koi fish can have many symbolic meanings, with two of the most popular being good fortune and overcoming adversity. The symbolism of the Koi fish comes from the legend that a Koi fish that is able to swim upstream and all the way up the Yellow River falls will be rewarded by being turned into a dragon. The Koi fish is a popular tattoo design.

The color of the Koi fish also plays a part in the symbolic meaning. A red Koi, for example, represents love, while the blue Koi represents reproduction. Koi fish are normally drawn, painted or tattooed to have an extreme masculine appearance.