Which fish turns into a dragon?

According to tradition, a carp that could swim upstream and then leap the falls of the Yellow River at Dragon Gate (Longmen) would be transformed into a dragon.

How the koi fish became a dragon?

For 100 years the koi toiled against the odds, until finally a single koi crested the top of the waterfall to make it into the river above. The gods who witnessed this colossal achievement rewarded the courageous fish for its perseverance by transforming the koi into a golden dragon.

What kind of dragon does the koi fish turn into?

As a reward for its strength and determination, the gods turned the lone koi into a golden dragon. This legend is known as 'The Dragon Gate', and best explains why koi have become symbolic of perseverance through adversity.

What is the story of a koi fish?

The Chinese Koi Fish Waterfall Legend

Legend says that long ago, there was an abundance of golden koi fish in the Yellow River in China. They made their way upstream, going against the current, building strength and perseverance. Their golden hue made the river shimmer as if it was a river of gold.

How does a carp turn into a dragon?

According to tradition, a carp that could swim upstream and then leap the falls of the Yellow River at Dragon Gate (Longmen) would be transformed into a dragon. This motif symbolizes success in the civil service examinations.

The legend of the dragon's gate

Is there a dragon fish?

dragonfish, also called sea moth, any of about five species of small marine fishes comprising the family Pegasidae and the order Pegasiformes. Dragonfish are found in warm Indo-Pacific waters. They are small (to about 16 centimetres [6 ¹/₂ inches] long), elongated fish encased in bony rings of armour.

Are koi related to dragons?

The gods recognized the Koi for its perseverance and determination and turned it into a golden dragon, the image of power and strength. Koi fish are associated with positive imagery. Because of the dragon legend, they are known as symbols of strength and perseverance, as seen in their determinative struggle upstream.

What does a dragon koi symbolize?

A dragon koi tattoo incorporates an Asian dragon and a koi fish. The dragon represents strength, power, and ferocity while the koi embodies perseverance and strength of will. Together, they allude to the legend of the koi fish, representing transformation and re-birth.

Is magikarp a koi fish?

The Japanese name for Magikarp is コイキング, or Koikingu, and koi are simply domesticated carp that have been bred generation after generation via artificial selection to produce an ornamental subspecies, affectionately known as living jewels and swimming flowers.

Why do Japanese love koi fish?

In Japan, koi symbolizes many good qualities. Known to swim against the current and overcome great obstacles (as mentioned in an old saying described below), koi symbolize strength, courage, patience, and success through perseverance.

What does yin yang koi fish mean?

The yin yang represents the good and bad, the duality and harmony of life, while the Koi fish shows perseverance, struggle, and ability to reach goals, which is also an important aspect of life. The yin yang Koi fish tattoos often feature 2 Koi fish placed in a circle, depicting the yin yang symbol.

What does koi mean in Chinese?

Koi fish (in trad. Chinese: 錦鯉魚), either black or red, also symbolizes wealth and success. As with most Chinese symbols, the carp has a legend attached to it.

Why are koi so special?

Koi are a type of carp, a common fish that can be found all over the world, but what makes Koi so special is their coloring and lineage. There are regular competitions to name the top koi and just like prized dog breeds, Japanese people take koi breeding very seriously.

What does 2 koi fish mean?

typically shown swimming alongside one another, two koi fish represent the duality of life and the balance of opposing life forces. These two koi fish are sometimes portrayed in the yin and yang configuration, representing the harmony between opposites.

Is it racist to get a koi fish tattoo?

Koi fish are popular in tattoos, but they also hold meaning in Japanese culture. Add to that the deep history of traditional Japanese tattooing, which has its own set of rules, getting a koi fish tattoo without that understanding can be seen as appropriation.

Is it OK to get a koi fish tattoo?

Two koi fish placed in a circular shape represent yin yang, a Chinese philosophy that. Koi tattoos placed with lotus flowers symbolize purity and rebirth. In feng shui, koi fish represent good luck and happiness.

Is koi Japanese or Chinese?

錦鯉 - Nishikigoi, often called Koi fish or Japanese carp, are fish with colors and patches raised and kept for appreciation. The carp originates from China and was brought to Japan by means of gifts. Its first Japanese mention dates back to 71AD (of Koi held by the presumed legendary Emperor Keikō).

Is a golden dragon fish real?

A Golden Dragon is a popular motif that is mostly associated with Chinese culture, but can also be found in Western cultures, it can refer to several items: Asian arowana, also known as the golden dragon fish.

Are Dragonfish poisonous?

Are dragonfish poisonous? Yes. Dragonfish emit poison that is incredibly dangerous and deadly to its predators. To prepare the fish, the spines and poison sacks must be removed before cooking.

Is the Black Dragonfish real?

Idiacanthus atlanticus, the black dragonfish, is a barbeled dragonfish of the family Stomiidae, found circumglobally in southern subtropical and temperate oceans between latitudes 25°S and 60°S, at depths down to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft).

Do Chinese dragons breathe fire?

Chinese dragons do not typically breathe fire. Those who do were said to be sent from the heavens to earth as punishment. Chinese dragons are much better known for summoning rain, and were thus viewed as a benevolent deity that helped bring prosperity to the land.

What are Chinese dragons called?

There are nine types of Chinese dragons: Tianlong or the Celestial Dragon, Shenlong or the Spiritual Dragons, Fucanglong, the Dragons of Hidden Treasures, Dilong, the Underground Dragons, Yinglong, the Winged Dragons, Qiulong, the Horned Dragons, Panlong, the Coiling Dragons, Huanglong, the Yellow Dragons, and Lóng ...

What are Western dragons?

Western Dragons are dragons with four legs and a pair of wings, i.e. six limbs. This makes them different from any other kind of vertebrate.

What do goldfish symbolize?

Traditionally, goldfish, particularly Koi, have been used as a symbol of good luck and good fortune. Several ancient stories and fairy tales also include stories of goldfish granting wishes or making dreams come true. In Chinese tradition, goldfish have an association with abundance.