90+ Cuddly Seahorse Tattoo Designs – A Tiny Creature with Deep Symbolism
Anyone looking at a seahorse tattoo will always want to have a second glance or to look at it closer, and this is because this sea creature is as adorable as it can get. It might be a small and fragile looking animal but it is very cute, and it also looks cuddly.
It also has a deep symbolism, and this is what makes it a favorite totem with people of different ages. There are also many species of this small animal and so there are limitless ways of drawing it.
The seahorse is a totem of meditation and creativity, and this is because it has a close link with the subconscious. This small animal is from the Hippocampus genus and so in most cases, its association with different things stems from this name.
The hippocampus is also the part of the human brain that is responsible for long-term memory, and it gets this name from the fact that it has a seahorse-like shape.
This cute little animal prefers to live in shallow tropical waters, and this environment is also one of the things that make it a unique animal because different cultures will associate this with spiritual symbolism.
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Sea Horse Tattoo Symbolism
A seahorse has a small body frame, and it is also not known to have any predatory traits and so in most cases, it is likely to be prey. However, despite all the dangers in the open oceans, it still manages to survive and reproduce.
It relies on camouflage to hide from the various animals in the sea that would have it for a meal.
And so having this tattoo can mean that despite all the dangers in this world you will still survive, and this is not because you are strong but because you have the willingness and intelligence to outlive your enemies.
This little creature can also be a symbol of fatherhood, and this meaning stems from the fact that the males are the ones that carry the pregnancy and are responsible for caring for the young ones before they mature.
And so in a world that many men are seen to be “deadbeat” fathers you can use this tattoo to show that you are a responsible and loving one, unlike most others.
A seahorse tattoo can also symbolize an attitude of just going with the flow or simply living each day at a time without knowing where your life is heading.
This meaning comes from the fact that these small sea creatures do not move on the floor of the sea with purpose, and they instead appear like a piece of coral that just goes with the current.
In some cultures, a seahorse is a symbol of good luck and so having this tattoo can also symbolize that you are hoping to succeed in life or in something that you set out to do. This symbolism is very common in Asia, and this is why people use them for folklore medicine.
The only disadvantage with this is that it has seen their populations dwindle significantly, and they are now an endangered species in most of Asia. In other societies and cultures, they are spiritual guides for all the people that die in the sea and also bearers of their soul.
Some of the other meanings and symbolism that people associate with this sea creature include persistence, tranquility, patience, cooperation and contentment.
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Types of Seahorse Totems
Many seahorse species are known to exist on the oceans, and there are probably some others that people know nothing about deep in the vast sea. And so this just means that you have many options when it comes to the sea horse tattoo because you can draw any species that you like.
However, most tattoo lovers are not very concerned with the species and will instead focus on the design and pattern of the tattoo, and this is why the following are the most popular seahorse totems.
Watercolor Seahorse
Your seahorse does not have to be realistic to look attractive because you can make it stylish by giving it a playful vibe with some watercolors.
When it comes to watercolor tattoo variation you have the free to use any bright pastels that you like but make sure that they work well together and they do not also make your seahorse look awkward.
Cartoon Seahorse
Images of “The Little Mermaid” from Disney are what come to mind for most people when they think of seahorses. This animated movie is one of the main reasons why cartoon seahorses are very popular.
However, they are also very attractive, and they bring out your jovial and fun side. You can use these tattoos to show everyone that friendship and cooperation are two principles that are very close to your heart.
Tribal Seahorse
A tribal touch will always make any image look magnificent, and so the seahorse is also not an exception. If you draw yours in a tribal design, you can be sure it will draw attention everywhere you go and if it is an open place.
Apart from this is also becomes more symbolic and this is because with tribal patterns each mark has a symbolic meaning and you can also have it to show that you respect native cultures.
Artistic Designs
This creative seahorse tattoo entails giving the image and element of art, and so you do not have to make it look very realistic. In this design, you can use geometric shapes to bring out the shape of the creature and also give it some elements that it does not have naturally.
These features may include some extra-long ears or a large stomach and even have a space theme as part of the totem.
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Best Placement Area
The seahorse is a small sea creature, and so most people will also have it as a small tattoo. And so the best places to have it include on the back of your neck, wrist, ankle and even the fingers for some extra tiny ones.
However, nothing should stop you from having a giant seahorse tattoo that you can place on the back, chest, upper arm or have it as your sleeve tattoo.
In Short…
The seahorse might be a small animal but it is still very symbolic, and this is what makes it a perfect body marking. A seahorse tattoo on the wrist will not only look beautiful, but it will also amaze anyone who knows what it means.
It is also an easy animal to draw and so you will almost never go wrong with it because even artists that are not very experienced can still draw it correctly.
