Ikan Feng Shui: Which Fish Bring Luck, How Many & What Colour (Malaysia Guide)
The three classic ikan feng shui (feng shui fish) in Malaysia are the arowana, koi fish and goldfish. In popular tradition the arowana, often called the "dragon fish", stands for wealth and power; koi fish for perseverance and success; and goldfish for abundance. The most commonly quoted number is nine fish: eight red or gold plus one black, and the most common placement advice is the living room, away from the bedroom and kitchen. These are cultural beliefs, and different feng shui masters give different rules. What isn't a matter of belief is the fish's welfare: a "lucky" fish in a tank too small for it won't bring anyone joy, so choose a fish you can actually keep well.
This guide summarises the popular beliefs as tradition and pairs each one with the real care needs.
Why Fish Are Popular in Feng Shui
In feng shui, water is associated with the flow of wealth and energy, and moving water with activity and growth. Fish add life to that water. In Chinese, the word for fish (yú) sounds like the word for surplus or abundance, which is why fish appear in Chinese New Year greetings and decorations. Many Malaysian Chinese families keep an aquarium or pond for this reason, and it's common to see arowana tanks in shops, restaurants and offices.
The Main Ikan Feng Shui Choices
| Fish | Popular meaning (tradition) | Commonly quoted number | Real care needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arowana (ikan kelisa) | Wealth, power, protection; "dragon fish" | Usually 1 (they're territorial) | Grows large; needs a 5–6 kaki tank as an adult; must be CITES-certified and microchipped |
| Koi fish | Perseverance, success, good fortune | 9 (8 red/gold + 1 black) is often quoted | Grows large; needs a pond or very large tank and strong filtration |
| Goldfish (ikan emas) | Abundance, wealth, harmony | 9 (8 gold/red + 1 black) | Messy; needs space and strong filtration; fancy types prefer cooler water |
| Other "lucky" fish | Varies | Varies | Check care and legality before buying |
Ikan arowana feng shui
The Asian arowana is the prestige feng shui fish in Malaysia. Its large metallic scales are said to resemble coins and dragon scales, and red and gold varieties are especially prized. A single arowana is the norm because adults are territorial.
Reality check: The Asian arowana is listed on CITES Appendix I. It's legal to keep in Malaysia when it comes from a CITES-registered farm with a microchip and certificate. Always buy certified fish and keep the certificate. Adults grow to around 60–90 cm and need a 5–6 foot tank with a tight lid, since arowana are strong jumpers. See our arowana price and CITES certificate guide.
Ikan koi feng shui
Koi fish are linked to the legend of the carp that swam up a waterfall and became a dragon, a symbol of perseverance and success. Red and white koi fish (kohaku) and gold ogon are popular choices.
Feng shui ikan koi berapa ekor?
Nine is the number most often quoted, typically eight red or gold koi fish plus one black. Some practitioners recommend other numbers, such as odd numbers or numbers tied to your birth chart.
Reality check: Koi fish grow large and produce a lot of waste. Nine koi fish need a proper pond with a strong filter, not a 3 kaki tank. Our koi fish CNY and pond guide covers pond sizing.
Ikan emas (goldfish) feng shui
In Chinese, "goldfish" (jīnyú) sounds like "gold and jade", so goldfish are a classic symbol of wealth. The "eight gold, one black" arrangement is most commonly associated with goldfish.
Reality check: Nine goldfish need far more space than most people expect. Fancy goldfish like oranda and ranchu grow round and messy; give them a large tank (think 4 kaki or more for a group of nine adults) with strong filtration. They also prefer cooler water than a typical Malaysian room, so keep the tank shaded and well aerated. Feed sinking food in small portions.
A note on banned "feng shui" fish
Flowerhorn (louhan) became popular as a lucky fish in the region, but it is prohibited in Malaysia under the Department of Fisheries (DOF) import-prohibition list. Don't buy one, and check our prohibited fish guide before buying any unusual species. Confirm with DOF Malaysia if unsure, since lists can change.
Lucky Colours (Popular Beliefs)
| Colour | Popular association |
|---|---|
| Red | Luck, joy, energy (very popular around CNY) |
| Gold / yellow | Wealth and prosperity |
| Black | Absorbing or protecting against negative energy |
| White / silver | Purity, clarity; also associated with the metal element |
| Mixed (e.g. red and white) | Balance |
Kedudukan Akuarium Feng Shui: Where to Place the Tank
Common advice across many feng shui sources:
- Living room or entrance area: the most commonly recommended places.
- North, east or southeast sectors are often mentioned, depending on whether the goal is career, family or wealth.
- Avoid the bedroom (believed to disturb rest) and the kitchen (water and fire elements are said to clash).
- Keep the water clean and moving. Dirty, stagnant water is considered bad feng shui, and it's bad for fish too.
Practical placement that also suits fish:
- Out of direct sunlight, which overheats tanks and causes algae
- On a level, strong stand: a full 4 kaki tank can weigh over 300 kg. See our tank size guide.
- Near a power socket, away from aircond vents blowing directly onto the water
- Somewhere you'll see it daily, so you notice problems early
What If a Feng Shui Fish Dies?
Many people believe a fish that dies has "absorbed" bad luck on the owner's behalf. Whatever you believe, check why it died: overfeeding, poor water, overheating or overcrowding are the usual causes. Test water, do a partial tukar air with water treated with anti klorin, and fix the cause before adding a replacement.
Feng Shui Tank Kits on FishyHub
FishyHub's Fengshui adventure packs are themed tank kits for a feng shui-style display. Check each listing to see what's included. You can also browse arowana, koi fish and goldfish from Malaysian sellers. For arowana, confirm the seller provides the CITES certificate and microchip details. Prices are in RM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ikan apa yang membawa tuah menurut feng shui?
Menurut kepercayaan feng shui, ikan arowana, ikan koi dan ikan emas (goldfish) dianggap membawa tuah, kekayaan dan kejayaan. Kepercayaan ini berbeza mengikut pakar feng shui, jadi pilih ikan yang anda mampu jaga dengan baik.
Feng shui ikan koi berapa ekor?
Bilangan yang paling kerap disebut ialah sembilan ekor, iaitu lapan ekor merah atau emas dan seekor hitam. Namun sembilan ekor ikan koi memerlukan kolam yang besar dengan penapis yang kuat, bukan akuarium kecil.
Where should I put a feng shui aquarium?
Popular advice says the living room or near the entrance, and not in the bedroom or kitchen. Also keep it out of direct sunlight and on a strong, level stand.
Is it bad luck if my arowana jumps out?
That's a matter of belief, but the practical lesson is clear: arowana are strong jumpers and need a tight-fitting lid.
Can I keep feng shui fish in a small tank?
Not long term. Arowana, koi fish and goldfish all grow large. Plan the tank or pond for the adult size.
Planning a feng shui tank? Browse Fengshui packs, arowana and koi fish from Malaysian sellers on FishyHub, with prices in RM.