How to Draw a Koi Fish – Easy Step-by-Step Japanese Fish Art for Kids
Mar 23, 2026
Curious about how to draw koi fish? Come on, let’s explore its step-by-step guide:
Step 1: First let’s start with the eye. Draw a small round and darken the inside, leaving the corners and a tiny dot-like space in the centre.
Step 2: Draw its outline starting from the head, which looks like a wide V, followed by a sloping curve in the reverse direction.
Step 3: Add whiskers that look like thin, narrow spikes.
Step 4: Draw the lower head with a horizontal line followed by the letter 'C' that lies at the neck.
Step 5: Beside the horizontal line, include a dew shape for the fin.
Step 6: Draw its lower body and back with a long, curved line that extends back and takes a U-turn, then travels ahead.
Step 7: Draw its dorsal fin that looks sharp at the beginning, slightly broader in the middle, and curved and narrow at the back.
Step 8: Add its tail that looks like an ‘M’ sideways and in a stylish way.
Step 9: Include fins on either side of the body that look like a leaf design.
Step 10: Add patterns for fins and tail using horizontal and vertical stripes.
Step 11: Draw random designs that look like patches on the outer layer of the fish’s front body.
Step 12: Add some more patches towards the back of the body and tail.
Step 13: Darken the first set of patches.
Step 14: Then fill the remaining patches to show the striking appearance.
Step 15: A lively koi fish drawing is completed.
