Fish Tattoos

1. Standard Fish Tattoo Idea

Your standard Fish Tattoo is literally whichever fish you love the most, tattooed with no extra bells and whistles attached.

You can choose to ink yourself in a realistic style, stylized, or whichever way you want.

This style will symbolize whichever fish you’ve chosen and not much else unless it symbolizes a shared history you have with that specific species. 

2. Flying Fish Tattoo

The flying fish has about 64 species grouped in seven genera.

While they cannot actually fly, these fish get their name due to their ability to leap from the water and glide for distances as far as 50m but have been recorded using updrafts to fly distances as large as 400m.

The longest recorded flight of a flying fish was by a Japanese film crew, where the fish flew for a total of 45 seconds.

Like Bird Tattoos, a Flying Fish Tattoo can symbolize freedom. 

3. Arowana Fish Tattoo

The Arowana is a freshwater bony fish that is one of Earth’s oldest living species, dating back to the Jurrasic period.

This fish is highly revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and luck, as it’s believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to its owners.

4. Goldfish Tattoo

One of the planet’s most popular pets, the Goldfish, was first domesticated in China over a thousand years ago.

Originally bred from the Prussian carp during the Tang Dynasty, these fish were kept by the elite in ponds and water gardens.

The rich golden colors of the goldfish aren’t natural occurrences but instead a result of selective breeding.

This tattoo can symbolize prosperity and improved fortune.

5. Blue Spotted Mandarin Tattoo

The Blue Spotted Mandarin is a fish best known for its brilliant coloration.

This species is found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly around the Philippines, Australia, and Indonesia, where it prefers sheltered lagoons and inshore reefs.

During the mating season, males may perform elaborate dances with color displays to attract females.

6. Anglerfish Tattoo

The Anglerfish is well known for its terrifying appearance and its ‘fishing rod,’ a bioluminescent organ that is an extension of its dorsal spine that protrudes above its mouth.

These fish are found in deep, dark parts of the ocean, typically at depths of up to a mile or more, where they feed on small fish and other sea creatures.

An Anglerfish Tattoo can represent adaptability and survival in challenging environments. 

7. Reef Triggerfish Tattoo

The Reef Triggerfish, also known as the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (say that 10 times fast), is the official state fish of Hawaii.

Its Hawaiian name literally translates as "triggerfish with a snout like a pig."

The name ‘Triggerfish’ comes from their ability to lock the first spine of their dorsal fin and anchor themselves in rock crevices to avoid being pulled out by predators. 

8. Pufferfish Tattoo

The Pufferfish or Blowfish is famous for its unique ability to inflate its bodies dramatically as a defense strategy against predators.

Many species of pufferfish contain a neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin.

This neurotoxin is so potent that it is 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide.

Despite its toxicity, pufferfish meat is considered a delicacy in Japan, Korea, and China when prepared by licensed chefs who know how to remove the toxic parts safely. 

9. Mola Mola Tattoo

The Mola Mola is the heaviest known of any bony fish in the world.

This species can grow to a whopping 3 meters and 1,135 kg!

The Mola Mola’s diet primarily consists of jellyfish, but it is also known to eat zooplankton, smaller fish, and squid.

This fish can dive to depths of over 800 meters and are often seen lying flat on the ocean surface, sunbathing to help warm up after their deep dives, so it is believed. 

10. Yellow Boxfish Tattoo

The Yellow Boxfish is an adorable fish that you can probably tell has a cube-shaped body.

These fish are found in the reefs of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, preferring sheltered reefs and lagoons.

When threatened, the Yellow Boxfish can secrete a toxic substance from its skin, which is lethal not only to the other fish around it but also itself if released in a confined space.

11. Lionfish Tattoo

The Lionfish is known for its beautiful and dramatic appearance, with its bold red, white, and black stripes, fanned pectoral fins, and venomous spiky fin rays.

Considered an invasive species anywhere outside of the Indo-Pacific region, the lionfish are carnivorous and highly efficient predators, eating a wide variety of fish and invertebrates. 

12. Bass Tattoo

Bass refers to several species of fish that are popular in fishing and culinary.

One of the most famous Bass species is the Largemouth Bass due to its association with an animatronic singing prop known as ‘Big Mouth Billy Bass.’

The Largemouth is widely found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the United States, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.

13. Turquoise Discus Tattoo

The Turquoise Discus is a fish highly prized in the aquarium trade due to its striking appearance and unique behavior.

Native to the Amazon River basin in South America, this species prefers warm, soft, and slightly acidic water in the wild, with it often being found in slow-moving tributaries, floodplain lakes, and shaded streams.

These fish have a peaceful temperament but can be quite shy and sensitive to disturbances.

14. Koi Fish Tattoo Design

Koi Fish Tattoos symbolize themes of resilience, strength, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one's goals.

This is due to their connection with the story of the Koi that swam against the raging currents or waterfalls and was awarded by the Gods by being transformed into a mighty Dragon.

15. Seahorse Tattoo

The Seahorse, unlike most fish, swim upright and use their dorsal fin for propulsion.

There are about 54 known species of seahorses, where they are found in shallow tropical and temperate waters around the world.

This species blends into the background to ambush small prey such as crustaceans.

16. Great White Shark Tattoo

The Great White Shark is one of, if not the most well-known shark species on the planet.

Great Whites can reach lengths of up to 6 meters and weigh as much as 2,268 kilograms.

These sharks have highly developed sensory systems that allow them to detect the electrical fields created by other living organisms, which is particularly useful for hunting in murky waters.

A Great White Shark Tattoo can symbolize strength, speed, instinct, and ruthlessness. 

17. Jellyfish Tattoo

While not actually a fish, I think it's appropriate to add a jellyfish due to how popular their designs are in the tattooing scene (and its name has fish in it).

Jellyfish are, in fact, invertebrates that are mostly made up of water.

The tentacles of a jellyfish are equipped with tiny, stinging cells called nematocysts, whose venom potency varies.

Some species are harmless to humans, while others can be extremely painful and even life-threatening.

I’ve been stung many a time by jellyfish, even in places I can't mention here, but thankfully, they weren’t lethal.  

18. Clownfish Tattoo

Clownfish, as well as being famous thanks to a particular film which we will get into later, are also well known due to their relationship with sea anemones.

While the Clownfish receives protection from the anemone's stinging tentacles, which it is immune to, the anemone, in return, receives protection from the Clownfish as it defends it from predators and parasites. 

19. Betta Fish Tattoo

Betta Fish or Siamese fighting fish are renowned for their extraordinary colors and large, flowing fins.

These fish are native to the Mekong basin of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, however, the wild versions of these fish are generally dull compared to those selectively bred for the aquarium trade. 

20. Skull Fish Tattoo

Skull Tattoos are symbolic of change, rebellion, rebirth, or overcoming tough challenges, and they are also a celebration of life.

This super cool Fish Tattoo has a Goldfish with an ornament attached to it and a Skull atop the fish's head. 

21. Reverse Mermaid Tattoo

Something a little fun here, this Tattoo Design is of a reverse mermaid.

Reverse mermaids, rather than the usual design of a beautiful woman with a fishtail, is instead of a fish with a woman’s legs.

This Tattoo is done by the incredibly talented handshakesnaketattoos so check out his page for even more incredible designs. 

22. Koinobori Fish Tattoo

Koinobori are carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no sekku.

The koinobori are typically flown on a pole with the largest black carp at the top, representing the father, followed by a smaller red carp for the mother, and additional smaller carp of various colors below them, representing each child in the family. 

23. Fish Stamp Tattoo

Something a little unique on this list, here we have a Fish Stamp Tattoo.

While I have no idea what the meaning of this tattoo is, perhaps it is just a recreation of an old stamp from wherever the wearer lived, back in a time when stamps were only 5 cents a piece, better times.

24. Fish Scales Tattoo

If you ever had dreams of becoming a mermaid or a merman, why not make your wish come true by giving yourself some fish scales.

This Design is done by the incredible pokhy_tattoo, so if you love Flower or other Animal Tattoos, be sure to check their page out. 

25. Fish And Moon Tattoo

A Moon Tattoo can symbolize growth and change as the moon symbolizes the passage of time.

However, a Moon Tattoo can also represent dreams and aspirations, introspection, individuality, and motherhood.

This beautiful Crescent Moon and Betta Fish Tattoo is done by non_lee_ink. 

26. Skeleton Fish Tattoo

For something a little more morbid or spooky, try out a Skeleton Fish Tattoo.

This cool Tattoo is of the skeleton of the Anglerfish. 

Anglerfish have a skeletal structure that is less dense compared to many other fish, which aids them in inhabiting deep-sea environments.

Their bones are often soft and flexible, allowing them to withstand the high pressures of the deep sea.

27. Samurai Fish Tattoo

For those of you who love Japanese culture, what could be better for a Fish Tattoo than a Samurai Fish Tattoo?

The ethical code of the samurai, known as bushido ("the way of the warrior"), was a set of moral principles that the samurai were expected to observe.

Your Samurai Fish can carry with it both the bushido code symbolism as well as the symbolism associated with your chosen fish. 

28. Bicycle Fish Tattoo

Lovers of both fish and exercise, this is probably the best Tattoo Design for you.

A fish riding a bicycle represents something absurd or impossible, playing on the idea that fish, who have no need or not having the ability to ride bicycles, would find such an activity entirely out of their element.

29. Matching Fish Tattoo

If you have a friend or lover who loves Fish Tattoos as much as you do, why not get a matching tattoo?

This wonderful double skeleton design is done by mika.z.tattoo who does other amazing designs such as Dragon Tattoos and Floral Tattoos. 

30. Fishing Fish Tattoo

If you love absurd Tattoo Designs and love fishing, then try out this super cool Fishing Fish Tattoo Design.

While it is absurd to see a fish fishing, in fact, there are various species of fish that use fishing-like techniques to catch their prey.

Fish that eat other fish are known as piscivorous.

31. Dragon Fish Tattoo Design

If you love the tale of the Koi fish that was transformed into a mighty Dragon, then perhaps you will love this halfway point design in its transformation, known as a Dragon Fish Tattoo.

Dragon Fish Tattoos symbolize transformation, strength, resilience, and the pursuit of goals. 

32. Parasite Fish Tattoo

For something a little different and creepy, try out something like this Parasite Fish Tattoo.

Rather than being centered around the fish itself, this tattoo is mostly about the parasitic entity that is sucking the life out of the fish.

Marine parasites can be found in almost every type of marine organism, with it being suggested that there may be at least one parasite species for every species of marine animal.

33. Mermaid Tail Tattoo

Do Mermaids count as a type of fish? Well, if not, thats why I settled with just showing a Mermaid Tail Tattoo instead.

Mermaids can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with one of the earliest mentions is in Assyrian mythology, where the goddess Atargatis transformed herself into a mermaid. 

34. Wolf And Fish Tattoo

Probably more a Wolf Tattoo than a Fish Tattoo, but it was too cool not to share.

Wolf Tattoos symbolize loyalty, strength, instinct, and spirituality.

This wolf is eating a Sockeye Salmon, a fish well known for its striking appearance.

When they enter freshwater to reproduce, their bodies turn bright red, and heads turn green, making them easily distinguishable from other salmon species.

You’re probably well acquainted with the Sockeye from nature documentaries of Bears eating them before hibernation. 

35. Fish In A Bag Tattoo

If you have ever had your own little fish as a pet, you probably remember the day you had to bring him home to your fish bowl or aquarium in his little bag.

So, to commemorate your pet fishy, when not get a tattoo of the first time you brought him home in his bag? 

36. Traditional Chinese Painting Tattoo

If you want your Fish Tattoo to look a little more old-fashioned and classy, try getting it inked in a traditional Chinese style.

This fish is done in the works of Bada Shanren (八大山人), a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties.

Bada Shanrens work was known for its unique and eccentric style depicted with minimalistic but powerful brush strokes.

37. Flower Fish Tattoo

Flower Tattoos come with a lot of symbolism, depending on which flower you choose.

With about 369,000 known species of flowering plants, you are in no shortage of potential symbolism.

This gorgeous Fish Tattoo has the fish with the pattern of flowers as its skin texture. 

38. Simpsons Fish Tattoo

The Flying Hellfish was a military unit that consisted of Abraham Simpson, Charles Montgomery Burns, and several other Springfieldians who served during World War II.

After discovering stolen paintings after an invasion of a German castle, the group agreed to enter a tontine contract in which the last living member would receive the treasures.

Years later, as the only two remaining members, Burns attempted to murder Abraham to claim the paintings for himself before being thwarted by Old Man Simpson and his grandson Bart. After retrieving the paintings, the U.S. State Department arrived and returned the paintings to their rightful owner's descendant, Baron von Herzenberger.

39. Blinky Tattoo

Another Simpsons Fish Tattoo, this time of Blinky, the three-eyed fish.

Blinky is a fish species found in the ponds and lakes outside the nuclear power plants that have been contaminated due to the leaks of nuclear waste into Springfields water sources. 

40. Butterfly Wings Fish Tattoo

If you love Fish as well as Butterfly Tattoos then why not add Butterfly Wings into your fish's design?

This cute Tattoo Design has a flying fish with Butterfly Wings as well as some added florals in its design. 

41. Glitter Seahorse Tattoo

For something a little more cute and shimmery, try out this adorable Glitter Seahorse Tattoo.

Unlike this very noticeable seahorse, these fish are actually masters of camouflage who can change color to blend in with their surroundings, helping them to avoid predators and sneak up on prey.

42. Spooky Seahorse Tattoo

Unlike the Glittering Seahorse, this Tattoo Design is a little bit more creepy.

Here, we have a really cool design of the Seahorse with a terrifying Skull positioned at the center of its body and the fish's skin looking thick and leathery.

Did you know that Seahorses eat frequently because they lack a stomach? 

43. Dragon Seahorse Tattoo

Last in our Seahorse Tattoo Designs, this time, we have a family of Seahorses that are designed to look like little Dragons (at least that's what I think the idea is!)

One of the most unique aspects of seahorses is their reproductive behavior. Male seahorses have a pouch on the front of their tails where females deposit the eggs.

Here, it is the male who fertilizes them and carries the eggs until they hatch. 

44. Jaws Tattoo

Jaws was a 1975 thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg.

It was based on Peter Benchley's 1974 novel of the same name that tells the story of a great white shark that preys upon a small resort town and the voyage of three men trying to kill it.

Jaws had a profound impact on public perceptions of sharks, exacerbating widespread fear and fascination.

Here at Tattoo Design, we love Sharks, so if you are passionate about shark protection and conservation, consider donating to Shark Trust, who work globally to improve the conservation status of sharks, skates, and rays.

45. Cute Shark Tattoo

While Jaws may have permeated fears throughout the world about Sharks, they are, in fact, misunderstood creatures.

Sharks don’t inherently seek out humans as prey, and when attacks do occur, it's often a case of mistaken identity on the Shark's behalf.

Sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance by preying on sick, weak, or old animals.

They prevent the spread of disease and maintain healthy fish populations and coral reefs.

46. Sea Life Tattoo

Fish aren’t the only animals that live in the sea, so of course, you can complement your Fish Fattoo with the vast array of species that call the ocean, seas, or rivers home by incorporating them into your design.

Did you know that the term ‘fish’ is considered somewhat controversial?

This is due to the fact that some species we classify as ‘fish’ are actually more closely related and share more DNA with certain land animals than they do with other ‘fish’ species. 

47. Finding Nemo Tattoo

Possibly, some of the most famous fish in all of media is the cast from the Finding Nemo series of films.

Finding Nemo follows the story of Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, who embarks on a perilous journey to find his son Nemo.

Along the way, Marlin is joined by Dory, a friendly but forgetful blue tang, who helps him navigate the ocean.

The movie explores themes of parental love, overcoming fears, and the importance of friendship and perseverance.

48. Flounder Little Mermaid Tattoo

Flounder is Ariel's best friend from the 1989 Disney film The Little Mermaid.

Often nervous and scared, especially of any venture that involves danger, Flounder is known for his outstanding loyalty, always sticking by Ariel's side.

This lovely Disney Tattoo has Flounder next to Ariel as they float through the ocean. 

49. Seaking Tattoo

This Pokemon Tattoo is of Seaking, the 119th Pokemon in the Pokedex, and the evolution of Goldeen.

Seakings engage in elaborate dances to court females, with females going for a Seaking who has the most elaborate dance. 

50. Spongebob Tattoo

Breaking news! We’ve finally reached the end of our Fish Tattoo Designs list.

This Tattoo Design is of Realistic Fish Head, a tuna who works as an announcer and anchorman for the Bikini Bottom News from the Spongebob Squarepants series.

1. Fish Tattoo Idea On Thigh

The Thigh is a great place for a tattoo if you’re looking for some added allure.

This location is also great for people who are afraid of pain during the tattooing process, as the thigh has a lot of muscle and fat, which will dampen that pain.

Just keep in mind that the thigh isn’t always easily shown off, so if you are the type who likes to flaunt their design, only consider the thigh if you live in a place with decent enough weather for you to show it off often. 

2. Arm Fish Tattoo Design

Probably one of the most common places to get a tattoo, the arm allows easy concealment and revealment.

This location is also great for people who are averse to pain, as it's one of the most comfortable places to get inked.  

3. Leg Fish Tattoo Design

Similar to the thigh, the leg is a great place to get tattooed if you live in a place that allows you to show it off often.

Unlike the thigh, however, the leg has some areas that can be particularly painful to get inked, such as the knee, its back, and the shin. 

4. Fish Tattoo Design On Foot

The foot is a unique location for a tattoo. However, it is also one of the most painful places to get inked due to its thin skin and it being filled with veins, bones, tendons, and nerves that aren’t well protected by a layer of muscle or fat.

Also, remember that a foot tattoo isn’t easily shown off in its full glory, as it's hard to find shoes that won’t cover at least some part of its design. 

5. Fish Tattoo Design On Chest

Lastly, the chest is one of the best places to show off your design with pride.

For men, this location has a lot of space over the pectoral muscle, whereas, for women, it may be a little bit more difficult for a large design due to the anatomy of the breast.

However, you can, of course, go for a smaller design such as this one that sits perfectly on the upper side of the chest closer to the shoulder.