meaning of the koi tattoo: swimming upwards or downwards?

Question

ok, well I'm planning on getting a koi tattoo in the future (I already have a tattoo, so I know what to expect)
I love what it signifies, because it will have some meaning to my past.
I have read up on koi tattoos for a while, and I know the whole history and stuff, but my question is:

does it matter if the koi is swimming upwards or downwards?

I have done plenty of research, and I can't find a definite answer

(and please to those who don't know what they're talking about, don't answer!)
I'd prefer to have a tattoo artist answer this question, or someone who knows alot on Japanese/Chinese history

Thamx allot!

and I don't want links to some encyclopedias, I already checked those out!
I want to know firsthand from a tattoo artist or someone who knows japanese/chinese history

Answer 1

it would seem that if your koi is swimming up it would symbolize strength, perseverance, and triumph. it doesn't seem that too many people have their koi swimming down as the koi are known for climbing waterfalls. i don't know that swimming down would take the meaning away, but another article i read about keeping koi in your garden pool said that they swim deeper to hide from predators. you don't want to send the message that you're a coward.

my knowledge is purely based on biology and the breeding history of the fish. i don't claim to know anything about asian history or tattooing.

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koi

Answer 3

It means what you want it to mean!!!!!!!!!