Sea Life Tattoos

Humans have always been fascinated with the ocean, and sea life tattoos have become a popular way of keeping the magic of the ocean close to home. The sea is often viewed as the primordial source of all life, thus a sea creature tattoo connects us symbolically to our past and the endless ebb and flow transition to our future.

Most sea life tattoos are of animals that live in salt water. Symbolically, salt water is associated with the Earth, with the exoteric (public domain), and with power, force, and chaos. Fresh water, on the other hand, is associated with the Heavens, the esoteric (private), and with life and wisdom.

Aquatic animals show up frequently in folklore in legends. Sometimes they are viewed as ferocious creatures or monsters, other times they are gods or transformed humans. In Japan, the carp symbolizes love, courage, and dignity, while salmon – for the Celts – can symbolize inspiration, wisdom, and prophecy. Despite these powerful associations, however, we don’t see a lot of carp and salmon tattoos! See the links below for the most common (and most attractive) sea life - sea creature tattoo choices.

The creatures that live in our fishbowls or in the sea are certainly not the only form of animal tattoos available. Please see our other pages for bird tattoos , animal tattoos , and insect and reptile tattoos . Mythical sea creatures, such as mermaids, are also very popular for tattoos, and are discussed on this site under Fantasy tattoos.

Popular Sea Life Tattoos

• Dolphin tattoos

• Koi tattoos

• Octopus tattoos

• Sea Horse tattoos

• Shark tattoos

• Shell tattoos

• Stingray tattoos

• Turtle and Tortoise tattoos

• Whale tattoos

Would you like to share your Sea Creature Tattoos with us here at Tattoo Meanings? If so, please consider contributing to our research and - take the tattoo survey!

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