Koi fish

An interesting thing to note about the Koi is that the symbolism that goes along with it is mainly based on the outward behavioral qualities of the fish itself. When observed in a pond, Koi tend to be very active and inquisitive. They are always moving around inside the pond and apparently searching through the silt at the base of the pond disturbing it constantly. Therefore when building a Koi pond it is a good idea to keep plants behind a net or firmly rooted otherwise the Koi is sure to uproot them. Due to this behavior of the Koi it symbolizes masculinity and power.

One of the very important symbols koi fish stand for is nonconformity. According to a very old legend the Koi is known to swim bravely upstream, surpass hurdles and evolve into a dragon. According to this legend the Koi encounter a big waterfall known as the Dragon Gate on the Yellow River and out of all the fish that try to pass through it, only the Koi has the strength to surpass it and emerge victorious. Because Koi fish are daring enough to swim in the opposite direction of the strong flow of water they represent a willingness to flout norms and display independence. It goes to show that Koi fish are independent minded creatures and will do what they want to irrespective of the risk involved. This behavioral attribute of the Koi is synonymous with strong willed individuals who in order to achieve their targets in life will take on challenges with ease and suffer adversity to gain their purpose.