If you have ever been drawn to a painting of three koi fish, there may be more behind the image than its beauty. Koi fish have long been associated with prosperity, abundance, perseverance, transformation and good fortune, making them a popular subject in feng shui-inspired art.

But what do three koi fish represent in feng shui? Why are koi considered auspicious? And if you own a three-koi painting, where should you hang it in 2026?

Here is the fascinating symbolism behind koi fish—and how that symbolism can influence where you choose to display koi artwork in your home or office.

What Do Koi Fish Symbolize in Feng Shui?

In feng shui and traditional Chinese symbolism, fish are closely associated with abundance and prosperity.

Part of this association comes from language. The Chinese word for fish, yú (鱼), sounds like another Chinese word, yú (余), meaning surplus or abundance.