If there’s one thing we’ve learned about animal tattoos, it’s that they’re the sweetest, most subtle way to celebrate our four-legged friends. Whether it’s a portrait of your beloved pet or a linework ink of your spirit animal, animal tattoos are taking the world by storm. What about fish tattoos?
Fish tattoos aren’t the most popular, prominent motifs among body art enthusiasts. While fish tattoos are adorable, appealing to the eye, and a creative way to express your love of all things fish, they’re not necessarily anyone’s go-to ink-spiration – except for fishermen, of course.
Now, there’s plenty of fish in the sea when it comes to ink-spiration (pun intended!), but that doesn’t mean that fish tattoos aren’t worth your while. Fish tattoos represent diferent things for different people, but they’re associated with strength, wisdom, prosperity, abundance, and energy, too.
With that out of the way, we’ve rounded up all the cutest fish tattoos to inspire you to dive in.
1. A koi fish tattoo
Without further ado, koi fish tattoos are the most popular fish tattoos among first-timers and seasoned tattoo-getters. A koi fish tattoo typically symbolizes strength, perseverance, and good fortune in Japanese culture but you don’t need to be Japanese to get one.
2. A Pisces tattoo
Although Pisces are a Zodiac sign, they’re quite a popular tattoo motif, too. Whether you’re a Pisces or you want to celebrate someone who’s a Pisces, we suggest you opt for a strikingly beautiful tattoo of two fish that represent the famous Zodiac sign.
3. A whale shark tattoo
What’s great about fish tattoos might be the fact that you’re able to choose between small, simple tattoos and big, bold tattoos – as well as small fish and big fish. With a shark tattoo, you can showcase your power, strength, and confidence, and make sure everyone knows what you’re made of.
4. A lionfish tattoo
What about a lionfish tattoo? A lionfish tattoo represents strength, courage, and power. All fish represent resilience and responsibility, but lionfish are excellent symbols of hidden traits that can make or break your character.
5. An abstract koi fish tattoo
With an abstract tattoo, you don’t need to worry about being too basic or boring. Abstract tattoos are permanent works of art on your body, and they’re a great way to express your creativity and experiment with styles that might not necessarily fit your aesthetic.
6. A Betta fish tattoo
Betta fish are the unlikely warriors of the sea! They’re small and weak, but they’re much more than meets the eye. They’re symbols of positive energy, progress, and good fortune. Before you bite the bullet and get a fish tattoo, consider opting for a Betta fish tattoo.
7. A pufferfish tattoo
We can’t forget about pufferfish, either! Whether you’re trying to embrace the fact that you’re different from everybody else or you want to accentuate the “odd” traits that make you, well, you – you might want to get a pufferfish tattoo.
8. A goldfish tattoo
If you’re trying to get rich, you might want to get a goldfish tattoo. It sounds silly, but goldfish are associated with wealth and abundance, and they’re seen as symbols of good fortune, progress, new beginnings, and new changes.
9. A mackerel tattoo
We can say the same thing about mackerel tattoos! With a mackerel tattoo, you’re sending a message to the rest of the world that you’re on a path to success. Mackerel tattoos represent abundance, fertility, and prosperity.
10. A whitebait tattoo
Now, the term “whitebait” refers to small fish that are used as bait for bigger fish. Whitebait tattoos represent spiritual growth, transformation, and enlightenment, and can be a great way for you to pay homage to what you’re capable of.
11. A mullet fish tattoo
Mullet fish carry a myriad of meanings, but they’re typically seen as symbols of strength, virility, fertility, and wealth. With a mullet fish tattoo, you can celebrate your love of all things fish or pay homage to your strength to deal with everything life throws at you.
12. A matching codfish tattoo
Codfish represent wealth, prosperity, and unity, and that’s exactly why these cute creatures make for perfect matching tattoos. Whether you get a matching tattoo with your BFF, a family member, or a romantic partner, we’re sure they’re going to appreciate the gesture.
13. A blackwork fish tattoo
When the time comes to pick the perfect style for your tattoo, you can’t go wrong with a blackwork tattoo. Blackwork tattoos are wearable and versatile, and they’re exclusively made with black ink. With a blackwork tattoo, you’re going to stand out and attract attention everywhere you go.
14. A brown trout tattoo
We’re talking your ears off with different types of fish, aren’t we? Brown trouts represent hope, love, and community, and they’re the perfect tattoo motif for people who want to celebrate a family member or a friend that’s special to them.
15. A tattoo of a fish on the hook
If you commit to a fish tattoo, you might as well make it worth your while, right? Go all out with a tattoo of a fish hanging off the hook. Add a mantra, a word, or even a name that means something to you (or makes you laugh) and you’re good to go.
16. A tattoo of two lionfish
Two lionfish are better than one! Therefore, you might want to consider getting a tattoo of two lionfish on your ribcage to represent you and your BFF, or even you and your romantic partner.
17. A sprat fish tattoo
If you’re a fan of small fish, you might want to get a sprat fish tattoo! Whether you opt for a blackwork tattoo, a colorful tattoo, or even an abstract tattoo, you’re guaranteed to walk out of the tattoo parlor with a smile on your face.
18. A tropical fish sticker sleeve
What about a fish-themed sticker sleeve? Sticker sleeves are getting more and more popular among tattoo-getters because they’re easier to do than *actual* tattoo sleeves. Get a cute little fish tattoo every time you’re in the mood for a tattoo. Build your sticker sleeve one fish tattoo at a time.
19. A fish tattoo on the side of the stomach
Small and simple tattoos might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s why you’re allowed to experiment with statement tattoos, too. If you want to “go big or go home,” consider getting a fish tattoo on the side of your stomach. Work with your tattoo artist and come up with a design that speaks to you.
20. A Betta fish tattoo on the back of the arm
Betta fish tattoos are getting more and more popular, and for a good reason, too. Whether you get a tattoo on your forearm, shoulder, or the back of your arm, you’re going to love the way your Betta fish moves and swims with your body.
21. A flying fish tattoo
We’re ending the article with a flying fish tattoo! Flying fish are symbols of good fortune, progress, and prosperity, and they’re typically associated with something good coming into your life when you least expect it. Flying fish are strikingly beautiful, too.
