Vibrant Black and Orange Koi Fish Meaning (2024)

Although Koi fish are kept in ponds all over the world, Asia has a unique significance for them. The mythology that dates back many thousand years in China describes how carp (Koi) that pass through the dragon gate and swim up a waterfall are miraculously turned into dragons. The ability to persevere and endure allowed the carp to develop into mythological creatures. The Koi fish has been a symbol of endurance and persistence for two thousand years.

Despite having their name only since 500 B.C., Koi fish have been around for up to 20 million years according to the fossil record. Orange Koi Fish are the colorful cousins of the common Carp. Despite the modern association of Koi with Japanese culture, China was the country that initially brought these famous fish to the broader world.

Did you know Koi farmers only started cultivating the fish specifically for certain color variants in the 19th century? Before this they were purely farmed for food. Let’s dive into how the symbolism of where Black and Orange Koi fish have evolved to where they are today.

Symbolic Meaning of Koi Fish

Because of a long-standing tale about how koi fish turn into dragons, koi fish are frequently depicted in the tattoo art of Japan. This old fable serves as the foundation for the majority of the symbolism and meaning associated with fish.

For individuals who want to incorporate the koi fish as part of their body art, it is a symbol with a profoundly meaningful meaning. For example, how exactly would one decide if an orange koi fish, a black koi fish or a combined orange and black koi fish tattoo is right for their permanent body art? Taking the time to first familiarize themselves with the deeper symbolic significance of the koi fish colors is a valuable undertaking.

Overall, the Koi fish is a lucky sign in Japan where they particularly stand for prosperity, both materially and monetarily.

Koi fish are also a symbol of tenacity under pressure since they are seen to endure and draw on their strength to fulfill their intended roles.

Have you often noticed artwork (tattoo, sculpture and painting) combining Koi Fish, their ponds and the Lotus Flower symbolism? Combining these is a popular method to show how perseverance over hardship reveals beauty in life.

Koi Fish: Their Meaning And Colors

Sumi (black) serves as the foundation of their body, while utsuri denotes “reflection.” There are three lovely Utsurimono varieties: Hi (red), Shiro (white), and Ki (yellow).

Hi Utsuri koi are black koi with vivid red markings all over the body, head, and fins of the fish (pronounced “hee OOT-soo-REE”). A yellow pattern placed on a Ki Utsuri (KEE oot-SOO-ree) koi gives it a checkerboard or bumblebee look. The Hi Utsuri was created from the mating of a Ki Utsuri (a black koi with yellow accent markings) with a Kohaku in the late 1910s (a white koi with red patterns)

Although all interpretations of koi tattoos are good symbols, the color of the tattoo can affect its meaning. Of course, you are free to select any color for your Koi tattoo, regardless of its significance. However, historically, these hues had distinct meanings as we outline below;

Black Koi Fish

As well as having a black body and fins, black koi fish, also known as Karasu koi fish (Karasu means “crow” in Japanese), can also have either an orange or white stomach. It belongs to the more established koi fish species. It stands for strength, parenthood, endurance, and masculinity. Future changes in one’s life are symbolized by the black and white koi fish known as Kumonryu, which was named after the Japanese dragon of transformation.

• Make sure to incorporate black into your koi fish tattoo design if you’ve had to overcome significant challenges and want to commemorate your journey.
• This is due to the second meaning of the black koi fish tattoo, which represents a victory over adversity, such as adversity with money or adversity with mental illness.
• The strength to overcome challenges is shown by this tattoo.
• The family father is also often represented by the black koi.

Orange Koi Fish Meaning

Also known as Orenji Ogon. This koi fish has a vivid orange hue. The orange koi fish can represent joy and optimism, similar to the yellow koi fish.

• It may also represent luck and wealth, as well as strength and a sense of hope. Accept the orange koi into your life if you wish to attract some good fortune.
• The ability of this hue to stand out against darker backgrounds is another reason why many individuals pick it for their tattoos.

Black and Orange Koi Fish

The combination of the vibrant Black and Orange colors in various patterns on a single fish represents a meaningful symbolic synergy. Despite the striking contrasted beauty of these colors, it represents both the orange koi strength, hope, luck and wealth yielded through the black koi symbolism of overcoming adversity.

Red Koi

Symbolic of motherhood, femininity, and compassion. They also represent power. Strong love, not just any love. A red or orange koi represents the family’s mother, while a red or pink koi represents a daughter.

Note that the Red meaning can often be confused with the Orange Koi Fish Meaning.

Red and White Koi Fish

It represents professional accomplishment if the fish has a white body with red spots and markings. It is also known as Kohaku. If the fish with the white and red pattern has crimson around its mouth like lipstick, it symbolizes love and enduring partnerships.

Blue Koi-Fish

The blue koi fish is a symbol of serenity and tranquillity. The sparkling blue represents innocence and peace.

Gold Koi Fish

Yamabuki, also known as the gold koi fish, is a Japanese emblem of wealth, money, and good fortune. It promises wealth, but it must be used carefully. It is a combination of yellow and orange colors to represent gold-colored koi.

How Are Black and Orange Koi Fish Valued?

The value of Koi fish is traditionally based on several elements, including color. More opaque and strong colors are considered to be of a higher grade. Buyers seek clearly defined, contrasting patterns as well as the absence of imperfections in color patches.

Particularly black Koi fish, which are quite uncommon, some hues are particularly sought after.

Additionally, the colors white, red, and blue are rated higher than orange and yellow. In most circ*mstances, orange is thought to be a degraded version of red, although this is incorrect. However, true orange Koi fish are orange because they are born with extra pigment cells that give them that color, but the fading or intensification of red pigmentation to orange might be a symptom of poor care and health. In which case, consulting a fish expert is advised.

The symbolism of the black and orange koi fish varies, but persistence stands out as the most important one. Read our in depth article on koi fish symbolism, meaning, and tattoo ideas to deepen your understanding.