Fish Tattoo Designs

Fish designs appeared on pottery in India around 2500 BC, but there have been fish shrines in Northern Europe since 6000 BC. In different cultures, there are different meanings associated with fish tattoo designs. However, it is true that they do make an integral part all almost all the cultures around the world. Hence, it is very obvious that fish tattoos have become a hot favorite with the tattoo aficionados all around the world. We will first read about meaning of fish tattoo and then turn to the designs.

Meaning of Fish Tattoo

Fish have been looked upon as a symbol of water, mother, as well as great Goddess. They were also associated with feminine power and reproductive powers. In Celtic tattoos, fish was associated with female sexuality and birth. In parts of India, fish were looked upon as a symbol of marriage. The bride would walk into her husband's house with a fish in her hand. The water sign Pisces is depicted with two fish swimming in the opposite directions.

Different fish designs used to make tattoo have different meanings associated with them. Koi fish tattoo designs are a symbol of courage and masculinity. Depending on the color, size of the fish, part of the fish depicted, it can also come to mean a lot of other things as well. God Ea is said to be an amalgamation of a fish and goat and was said to be a God of wisdom, magic and creativity. It later went on to become a symbol of Capricorn. During the early Christian era, fish was the secret code adopted during the times of persecution. Fish like icon was scratched either in dust or on walls, as a mark of safe haven, where people could meet without any betrayal. For the aborigines and people from the coastal regions, fish was looked upon as bountiful source of food and also a powerful animal totem.

Fish Tattoo Designs

Fish tattoos can be drawn with a discus, which would represent a peaceful and sensitive person. Among fish tattoos, koi fish designs are very popular. These designs can be combined with splashing water, cherry blossoms or even lotus flowers. The general meaning associated with koi fish is that of good luck. A koi fish tattoo can be depicted swimming upwards, which would stand for strength during trying times. It also means victory despite terrible adversity, in other words courageous triumph over a struggle. It is also looked upon as someone who is very independent.

Apart from the koi fish, there are also other fish which are chosen to make a tattoo. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, is also favorite fish tattoo design. If you are aggressive and would like to depict it as well, then Betta fish is the right fish for you. There are various colors which can be used such as deep rich green, blue, red turquoise, etc.

Shark tattoos are very popular, although there is a sense of negativity associated with them. They are looked upon as fierce predators. A shark fish can also be looked upon as a symbol of greed, danger and deceit. On the other hand, there are people who look at sharks as a connection with the sea and also as a link to the values of their ancestors. Along with sharks, dolphin designs are also popular in fish designs for a tattoo.

These designs can be made on the feet, wrists or shoulder blades. If you want to get a large tattoo, then the back is the right canvas for you. Women choose to get fish tattoo made on their lower back, as they look sensuous. Fish tattoos can also be worn by the men. There are a lot of fish designs which are masculine versions. These tattoos are often made on the arms, chest and back. It is always good to talk to the tattoo artist to get the correct tattoo for yourself, as tattoo removal is a time-consuming as well as painful process. You can also get a temporary tattoo before you get the permanent tattoo made, so that you do not have to go through the painful tattoo removal process.