How to Draw a Koi Fish

Last Updated: November 28, 2022

Koi is an ornamental variety of the Carp fish species. Because the Japanese pronunciation of the kanji “love” is the same as “Carp”, the Koi fish has become a symbol of love and friendship in Japan., as well as a popular tattoo motif. Want to draw a koi fish of your very own? We've got you covered with a quick, easy-to-follow tutorial. Grab your pencil and get ready to make a splash on your sketch paper!

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.

This oval will be coming off the upper right of the rounded triangle. Narrow the oval towards the end. This will be the body of the fish.

3

Draw a big M-like shape at the end of the oval.

This M-like shape 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.

Add details (such as whiskers) as you go. Also, add details on the fins.

6

Erase the sketch lines.

Add the scales on the body.

7

Color your drawing.

This is the finishing touch!

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.