How to Draw a Koi Fish

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Koi is an ornamental variety of Carp fish species. Because in Japanese the pronunciation of the kanji “love” is the same as “Carp”, the Koi fish has become a symbol of love and friendship in Japan. The Koi fish is also a very popular tattoo motif. Follow this tutorial to learn how draw a Koi like those often seen in tattoos.

Steps

1
Start by sketching the head. To do so, draw a rounded triangle. Inside this shape, draw a circle.
2
Draw a long, slim oval coming off the upper right of the rounded triangle. Narrow the oval towards the end. This will be the body of the fish.

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3
Draw a big M-like shape at the end of the oval. This will be the tail.
4
Draw two semicircles on each side of the body. Draw another smaller one on the exterior right side of the head. These will become the fins.
5
Outline the shapes, adding details (such as whiskers) as you outline. Also add details on the fins.
6
Erase the sketch lines and draw scales on the body.
7
Color your drawing!

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I draw the tail right? It's so hard!

Community Answer

If you look at a picture of one and follow that, it might help. If you really need to draw the tail, and you can't make it where the fish is swimming off the page, then you can print a picture and then trace the outline, and then personalize it.