This koi fish tattoo design is a study in movement and balance, rendered in black and grey within a circular mandala frame that anchors a curving koi as it glides through stylized waves. The koi’s scales are depicted with rhythmic fine-line work and subtle grey gradients, while around it clouds and wisps of water create a sense of motion that leads the eye from tail to head. The mandala ring provides a geometric counterpoint to the organic form, offering a cohesive composition that works on the shoulder, sleeve, or back. Technique emphasizes crisp linework, smooth grey washes, and restrained white highlights to simulate light on wet surfaces, blending traditional Japanese tattoo motifs with contemporary black-and-grey realism. Symbolically, the koi represents perseverance and transformation; the waves symbolize the ever-changing currents of life; the circle suggests balance and unity. The concept is adaptable for tattoo seekers seeking meaningful tattoos; it can be sized up for a bold back piece or reduced into a fine-line tribute, with texture-rich scales adding depth in a small or large format. Because the shading is dense and the design relies on dark ink, it is particularly well-suited as a cover-up solution: the heavy black-and-grey areas can mask previous tattoos while the lighter gradients preserve detail. This is an AI-generated tattoo project concept, meant as a versatile template that a skilled artist can tailor into a custom tattoo design. Elements to inform tagging include koi, mandala, waves, clouds, scales, and fins; the description also references Japanese style tattoo, black and grey, and ink-based symbolism. Keywords to consider for discoverability include tattoo, tattoo design, meaningful tattoos, fine line tattoo, lotus flower tattoo, infinity tattoo, tribal tattoo, rose tattoo design, small tattoos, flower tattoos, custom tattoo design, Japanese style tattoo, black and grey, realistic tattoo, body art, ink, and pattern.