Tales of Immortality

             So as previously discussed, fish are associated with love, but certain fish are also associated with longevity. More specifically the koi (or nishikigoi).
             There is a lot of symbolism following koi. They're said to bring good fortune and wealth, this is probably because they are hard to keep, and require a lot of care (by way of food mostly) so only wealthier people were able to have them in older days.
             Koi is another fish specifically linked to love and friendship, as the word 'koi' in Japan is a homophone for the word for 'affection' and 'love'.
            Another meaning is strength, perserverance and overcoming adversity. This is because when it comes time to spawn koi travel upriver much like salmon, sometimes miles. There is a legend that if a koi succeeds in climbing a waterfall at a certain point on the Yellow River called the 'Dragon Gate' the koi would become a dragon.
           And the meaning for longevity (I know, I went on a tangent there), that's because the koi is noted as the longest-living vertebrates. Upwards of 200 years in good conditions. It's no wonder they're such a widely known and respected creature.

Now for some info on an even longer living example of fish... well, not quite fish. Jellyfish.

The Turritopsis Nutricula to be exact. A type of jellyfish that is biologically immortal. That's right. And immortal jellyfish. What's its secret, you ask? It's secret is simply the fact that it can revert itself back into its polyp or 'baby' state once it's reached sexual maturity.
       Now isn't that a nifty trick. It's interesting to note that many marine and water type animals have much longer lifespans than most earth bound creatures. Just look at the sea turtle.
      Anyway. Food for thought.

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