Goldfish are a form of Asian carp that have been bred for centuries to have specific physical characteristics. Since around 10 AD, fish keepers in China and Japan have coupled spawning goldfish with similar traits to create a wide variety of different goldfish breeds. One of the most popular carp varieties for use in tattoo designs is the koi fish, a distant cousin of goldfish. (Take a look at koi fish tattoos in Koi Tattoos are a Sign of Success). Goldfish tattoos can contain fancy goldfish like the two tailed fan-tailed or ryukin goldfish, or the tattoos can be of the single-tailed common goldfish or comet goldfish.
A tattoo of two telescope eye goldfish. The black telescope eye golfish is also called a black moor. The tattoo artist has used white ink to give definition to the goldfish scales. [source]
Goldfish Tattoos; from Aquariums to Skin
Goldfish are one of the most widely kept aquarium and pond fish because they are both beautiful and hardy. Their housing needs are far more basic than most aquarium fish, which means that most people start the hobby of fish keeping with goldfish. The goldfish has played a role in many people’s childhoods. Either they won a goldfish at a fair or were given one of these golden fish to keep as a pet. Those people who didn’t keep goldfish as children will remember designs of the fish on various childhood objects. The bright color of the fish appeals to children, who are fascinated by the elegant, flowing fins of the goldfish.
An artistic tattoo of a fantail goldfish and a black moor goldfish in a Japanese art style. The design is based on traditional Japanese painting techniques, creating the effect that the fish have been painted onto the skin instead of permanently inked as a tattoo. [source]
Goldfish colors range from solid white to solid black, with every hue of yellow, orange and red in-between. Goldfish that have speckles and blotches of color are called calico goldfish. Some calicos have hints of grey or blue in their speckles. The combination of a gold or red fish on a blue background looks fantastic in tattoos, because the cool blue background color will set off the warmer colors of the tattooed goldfish, drawing attention to the subject rather than the background.
A tattoo of a golden ryukin goldfish in stylized water patterns. The grey and dull blue colors of the water make the yellow and orange colors of the goldfish stand out. Ryukin are highly prized by collectors, especially ryukin goldfish with golden colors as yellow ryukin are rare. [source]
Most tattoos of goldfish don’t showcase the shiny scales of the fish. This is a pity, because one of the attractions of goldfish is the flashy nature of it scales. The name “goldfish” was “coined” because as the fish swam around in ponds, they looked like shimmering gold coins. The metallic sheen of goldfish scales looks fantastic in tattoos, so if you’re considering a shiny goldfish tattoo, ask your tattoo artist if they can create this effect for you.
This tattoo artist has used white tattoo ink to create shine on the scales of this goldfish. This adds a 3D feeling to the design, giving the goldfish tattoo design depth. [source]
The Meaning of Goldfish Tattoos
Domesticated carp species like koi and goldfish are associated with financial success. The connection between goldfish and gold coins has led to the goldfish becoming a symbol of wealth. A gift of a goldfish can be construed as a wish for the recipient to become financially successful. In tattoo art, a goldfish can carry this monetary symbolism, but it is up to the wearer of the tattoo to decide if this is what the goldfish tattoo means to them.
This tattoo of two orange goldfish shows the elegant curves and lines created by the flowing fins of the goldfish while they swim. When seen through the glass of a fish tank, goldfish appear quite ethereal, floating through the water in a way that one can imagine angels must float through the air. [source]
Many people get goldfish tattoos because they are fish keepers with a deep love for goldfish. These are playful fish who can be trained to do tricks or eat from a person’s hand. Some people have reported that their fish enjoy a tummy rub, or will follow a person around a room by swimming back and forth in their tank. Goldfish can live for decades and grow to large sizes. Even though the fish and pet owner are largely separated by the fish tank, fish keepers often form a deep affection for their aquatic friends. Sometimes this love is expressed through a tattoo of their favorite fishy friend.
An abstract tattoo design of two goldfish. The tattoo artist has left some areas un-inked to create the impression of shiny scales. Tattoos like these are great for fish keepers with artistic personalities. Round bodied goldfish like the ryukin used in this tattoo are at their most attractive when viewed from above. [source]
In China, one of the most popular symbols for New Years is an image of a child holding a goldfish and a lotus. Both the goldfish and lotus are symbols of luck, wealth and harmony. In Chinese culture, the meaning of goldfish is abundance, so goldfish tattoo designs can be a wish for a full, charmed life filled with wealth and joy.
A tiny fantail goldfish tattoo behind a girl’s ear is sweet symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The tattoo artist has used cartoon styling in the tattoo design, giving the goldfish white cartoon eyes and bold outlines. [source]
In Feng Shui, a live goldfish is kept in the house as a symbol of prosperity. For those people who are unable to care for a goldfish, beautiful embroidered tapestries of goldfish can be hung to bring wealth, joy, luck and abundance into the home. Goldfish tattoos are therefore one of the most feel good tattoo designs that a person can wear, symbolizing not only luck and abundance for the tattoo owner, but for all who see the goldfish tattoo.
An oranda goldfish tattoo in red ink. Oranda goldfish have growths on their head called “wen” which makes them look like they have big brains. The tattoo artist has given the goldfish tattoo a shiny effect by using smooth gradients around areas that have no tattoo ink. [source]
