According to Japanese folklore, the strong koi fish would manage to swim upstream, against the current, leap the waterfalls and in the end be rewarded by being turned into a majestic dragon. The Koi fish has long been considered as a symbol of strength and perseverance within the tattoo community. The legend itself has become a metaphor for overcoming a long, arduous struggle and in the end the reward of achieving one's set goals.

A tattoo which shows the koi still swimming upstream in the water might mean that the bearer is still in the process of overcoming his or her struggles. A popular piece, a koi sleeve tattoo can also have other meanings behind it. One is that the word koi also means love or a sort of longing for someone. It is also used to refer to a romantic or passionate love.

A third possible meaning is courage. In the Buddhist religion the Koi fish actually represents courage and the ability to swim right through an "ocean of suffering" without a tinge of fear. Just like the Koi fish in Japanese folklore braving the strong currents.

Today, many tattoo artists specialize in koi designs. They all have their own special interpretation of it but the essence is still there. Strength, love and courage are the basic ideals that a koi fish stands for, however, tattoos are personal and each person would have their own special meaning to give the tattoo.

It could be a memorial tattoo or perhaps a celebratory tattoo. Whatever the meaning behind it, a koi sleeve tattoo would always be among the most meaningful and most coveted.