koi fish tattoos depicting the animal swimming upstream may represent strength during trying times. It takes a lot to be able to go against the tide of fate if life has stacked the odds up against you. Koi fish tattoos often represent victory despite terrible adversity: courageous triumph over a struggle.
koi fish tattoo for someone who is very independent. Proudly going against the grain, with little care for the opinions of others and society, a koi fish tattoo depicting the animal swimming through a tumultuous torrent is a powerful and personal image.