before and after chin crease

8 FISH TATTOO IDEAS AND THEIR SYMBOLISM

Fish are remarkable creatures that have traversed the deep oceans and thrived in rivers for millennia. Their ancient presence is matched only by the incredible diversity of species, from the vibrant koi fish to the powerful and enigmatic shark. These fascinating aquatic animals not only captivate with their colors but also carry rich symbolism, making them perfect subjects for tattoos.

Fish have long been more than just inhabitants of the water. They’ve found their way into folklore and mythology across various cultures. From the shark deities of Hawai’i to Matsya, the fish incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, and the tale of the koi fish in China that ascended a waterfall and was transformed by the gods into a golden dragon – fish play significant roles in many traditions.

If you’re considering a fish tattoo, read on as we explore some of the most popular and meaningful designs that could inspire your next piece of body art.

Mermaid Tattoo

While a mermaid isn’t technically a full fish, it is half fish, making it worthy of a place on this list. Mermaids are steeped in fascinating folklore and superstitions, which add to their allure as tattoo inspiration.

One captivating legend comes from Brazil. According to Amazonian myth, there was once a young warrior named Iara, known for her strength and skill. She was far more accomplished than her brothers, which sparked a deep jealousy in them. Over time, their envy grew so intense that Iara feared for her life. To escape their wrath, she fled to the Meeting of the Waters, where the Rio Solimões and Rio Negro converge.

Clown Fish Tattoo

The charm of clown fish became widely recognized following the success of the animated film Finding Nemo. The movie was so beloved that even today, many people visiting aquariums refer to clown fish as “nemos.”

This popularity gave rise to what some dubbed The Nemo Effect – but was it really a phenomenon? After the film’s release in 2003, rumors spread that the demand for clown fish as pets led to a significant decline in wild populations. However, according to Earth.com, this claim was exaggerated.

“While animal movies can impact viewers, the researchers found that people are not driven to buy pets but rather seek out information. Animal films even have the power to increase conservation efforts.”

Clown fish also carry spiritual meaning. As Spirit Animals explains, “The Clownfish symbolism reminds us that you should not control others. Instead, try controlling everything in your own life.”

If you’re searching for a small yet vibrant fish tattoo, the clown fish could be the perfect choice. Its bright colors make it ideal for placement on the wrist or ankle, and it holds special meaning for those in conservation or those seeking a reminder to release control and embrace life’s natural flow.

Fish Skeleton Tattoo

A fish skeleton tattoo is less common than other fish designs, but it carries deep and meaningful symbolism.

You might recall the Biblical story of the loaves and the fishes, where, with just five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus miraculously multiplied the food to feed a large crowd. In this context, a fish skeleton tattoo can symbolize resourcefulness and faith, reminding us that even from the smallest or simplest things, something extraordinary can emerge.

Additionally, this tattoo can serve as a reminder to remain grateful and not take things for granted. After all, a fish skeleton isn’t just a relic; it has practical uses, such as being valuable in fishing or contributing to rich compost for gardening.

Seahorse Tattoo

Yes, despite their small size, seahorses are considered fish! Because of this, a seahorse tattoo can symbolize hidden strength and skill, representing the idea that even those with an unsuspecting appearance can possess impressive prowess.

Although their tiny fins make them less adept at swimming, seahorses are incredibly skilled hunters. They glide through the water with grace, often sneaking up on their prey with a remarkable 90% success rate—far surpassing the 50% success rate of a shark!

Tribal Fish Tattoo

Fish tattoos are commonly seen in tribal designs, as fish have long been a prominent theme in ancient tribal tattoo art. However, before opting for a tribal tattoo, it’s important to understand that this artform carries deep cultural significance and should be approached with respect.

Each design and pattern in tribal tattoos has its own specific meaning, often tied to tradition and heritage. It’s essential to do thorough research and ensure you fully understand the symbolism behind the tattoo before getting inked, honoring its cultural context.

Shark Tattoos

Sharks are often feared for their intimidating presence and razor-sharp teeth, capable of causing significant harm with just one bite. However, these remarkable creatures symbolize much more than just danger. In fact, several cultures hold them in high regard, seeing them as powerful and revered beings.

“A shark is considered the king of water animals in many cultures, much like the lion reigns over land animals. In Fiji, a shark God is believed to protect fishermen at sea, while in Māori culture, the shark symbolizes strength and victory,” according to Saved Tattoo.

In Polynesian cultures, tattooing is a sacred practice, often depicting significant elements of their spirituality and way of life. A traditional tribal shark tattoo can represent courage and guidance.

Beyond traditional designs, a shark tattoo can also embody survival and resilience. Having existed as an apex predator for over 400 million years, the shark serves as a powerful symbol of adaptability and enduring strength in the face of change.

Gold Fish Tattoos

The meaning behind a goldfish tattoo is clear from its name—gold! Goldfish symbolize wealth and financial prosperity. In addition, they represent duality, as their fiery colors contrast beautifully with their connection to water.

Many people who choose a goldfish tattoo naturally want to highlight the bright, vibrant shades of yellow, gold, and orange. However, it’s important to be aware of the challenges involved in colorful tattoos. As noted by Authority Tattoo, “While red, yellow, and green tattoos can look vibrant and striking when first created, they tend to fade the quickest over time.”

Inexperienced tattoo artists may apply ink too shallow or use insufficient amounts, leading to faster fading compared to tattoos done by professionals.

Koi Fish Tattoos

The story of the koi fish transforming into a dragon in Ancient Chinese folklore is a powerful tale of persistence and determination, even in the face of adversity.

A school of koi fish swam together, battling fierce currents as they made their way upstream toward a waterfall. Many of the fish, unable to withstand the challenge, gave up and allowed the current to pull them back downstream.

In an attempt to discourage the remaining fish, the local deities made the waterfall even steeper, hoping to force them to turn back. Most of the fish, discouraged, gave in and swam back down—except for one.

This lone koi fish, undeterred by the increasingly difficult journey, persevered and finally succeeded in leaping over the waterfall. As a reward for its determination and resilience, the fish was transformed into a magnificent dragon, symbolizing strength, perseverance, and the reward for never giving up.

CONCLUSION

From the graceful koi to the spiritual ichthys, fish tattoos offer a wealth of symbolism and artistic expression. Whether you seek good fortune, perseverance, or a connection to your faith, there’s a fish tattoo design to resonate with your unique story. As you embark on your tattoo journey, consider the rich meanings behind these aquatic creatures and choose a design that speaks to your soul.

FLUFFY SLIME RECIPE: EASY AND BORAX-FREE

Fluffy slime is a favorite among slime enthusiasts!

This recipe is borax-free, using baking soda and contact lens solution to activate the slime. The addition of shaving cream gives it that irresistibly fluffy texture.

This slime was the first in our collection of easy slime recipes for kids. We now have a variety of fun slime ideas, so be sure to explore and save your favorites for later!

Keep reading or watch the video below to see just how fun and simple it is to make this slime recipe!

Easy Fluffy Slime

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Please ensure adult supervision when making or playing with slime, and always follow the slime safety guidelines listed at the bottom of this page.

Fluffy Slime Ingredients

  • 1 cup glue
  • 3 cups shaving cream
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 2-3 tablespoons contact lens solution
  • Food dye or acrylic paint (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional; improves smoothness)
  • 2 tablespoons lotion (optional; increases stretchiness)

Fluffy Slime Basics

Before you make fluffy slime, there are a few important things to keep in mind. If it’s your first time creating fluffy slime, be sure to read all the tips and notes below before you get started.

WHAT IS FLUFFY SLIME?

You might be curious about what exactly fluffy slime is. Fluffy slime is just what it sounds like: a fluffy, stretchy slime that’s incredibly fun to play with. Its signature fluffiness comes from the addition of shaving cream.

FLUFFY SLIME NOTES

First, make sure you’re using shaving cream for this recipe, as shaving gel won’t provide the same level of fluffiness.

Second, since this recipe doesn’t use borax, your contact lens solution must contain boric acid. If it doesn’t, it won’t activate the slime, so be sure to check the ingredient list before purchasing any solution.

For this recipe, I used the Target brand Up & Up Clear Comfort Multi-Purpose Solution, which contains boric acid and is more affordable than name-brand options.

Elmer’s has also introduced a convenient product called Magical Liquid, which replaces both the baking soda and contact lens solution, allowing for fewer ingredients.

While I use non-name brands for the contact lens solution, I recommend sticking with Elmer’s glue. If you plan to make a lot of slime (trust me, your kids will love it), consider purchasing Elmer’s glue in a gallon size. We have both the standard and clear gallon jugs on hand.

How To Make Fluffy Slime

Add the glue to the bowl. For this recipe, we used regular Elmer’s glue.

Add the shaving cream, cornstarch, and color additive to the mixture. We used food dye to color the slime, but you can also use acrylic paint.

Note: The cornstarch is optional, but it will help give the slime a smoother texture. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry! However, if you do, I recommend giving it a try.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly, then add the baking soda and contact lens solution to the bowl.

Use a fork to mix the baking soda and contact lens solution into the slime batter.

After mixing, use your hands to start kneading the slime batter. You can dip your fingers in the contact lens solution to reduce stickiness.

Note: Fluffy slime can be quite messy at this stage. It may get all over your hands, and if you’re new to making slime, you might worry that you did something wrong. Don’t panic! Continue to knead, pull, and work the slime until it begins to stick to itself and come off your hands. For us, this took about 3 minutes of kneading.

You can stop here and start playing with the slime, or you can choose to add lotion to enhance its stretchiness. Keep in mind that adding lotion will also introduce moisture, making the slime sticky again. Don’t worry; just keep mixing, pulling, and playing with the slime, and it will return to its original texture.

That’s it!

I can’t express how much fun my kids have when we make slime! It’s a blast for both kids and adults to play with!

If you encounter any issues, be sure to check out the following section on troubleshooting fluffy slime problems.

Keep in mind that this slime will lose its fluffiness over time (it typically lasts about a day or two), so I recommend making it on the same day you plan to use it.

Fluffy Slime Troubleshooting

Q: What do I do if my slime is too sticky?

A: When you first begin kneading the fluffy slime, it will be quite sticky. This is completely normal, so don’t worry! As you mix, knead, and pull it apart, it will start to stick to itself and form the slime. If, after a couple of minutes, it’s still very sticky, add a bit more contact lens solution (one to two teaspoons at a time). Make sure to fully incorporate the newly added solution before adding more.

Q: Can you make fluffy slime with shaving gel?

A: Technically, yes, you can make fluffy slime with shaving gel. However, I believe shaving cream yields a much fluffier and less sticky slime, so I recommend sticking with shaving cream every time for the best results.

Q: I added the contact lens solution to the mixture, but it never made slime. What’s wrong?

A: First, ensure that your contact lens solution contains boric acid, as this is essential for making slime. If it doesn’t contain boric acid, it won’t work. If your solution does contain boric acid but the slime isn’t forming properly, you may need to add more to the mixture. Add it a little at a time (2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon), mix thoroughly, and then reassess the consistency.

Q: Why is my fluffy slime stiff and breaking?

A: You likely added too much activator (either baking soda, contact lens solution, or both). Sometimes, adding a bit of lotion can help make the slime stretchier, but if you really overdid the activator, you might need to start over.

Slime Safety

Please ensure that an adult supervises children while they play with slime. It’s important to communicate to your child that this type of slime is not edible. If any part of the slime is ingested, seek medical advice immediately.

Parents or another responsible adult should always make the slime. This type of slime is not suitable for children aged 3 and younger.

If your child has sensitive skin, consider using gloves while playing with the slime or monitor them to ensure the slime doesn’t cause any irritation.

Always remind your child to wash their hands after playing with slime.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, making fluffy slime is a fun and engaging activity for kids (and adults!) that encourages creativity and sensory play. By following this simple recipe and keeping safety guidelines in mind, you can create a delightful and fluffy slime that will provide hours of entertainment. Remember to supervise children during play, ensure they understand the slime is not edible, and encourage good hygiene practices afterward. Enjoy the process and the fun of squishy, stretchy slime!