How To Make an Origami Fish

Fold one edge to line up on the center diagonal line. Fold an adjacent edge to meet on the center line, creating an ice cream cone shape. Unfold completely.

Repeat Step 2 on the opposite end of the paper. Unfold completely.

Rotate your paper so that the center diagonal crease is horizontal.

Working on the bottom right and left edges at the same time, refold the ice cream cone folds. As you do this, the two sides should line up on the center diagonal and create a triangular tab that sticks up. Pinch the tab closed at its center and fold it to one side.

Repeat Step 5 on the remaining white edges, creating a second tab directly opposite the first. Fold it down in the same direction as the first.

Turn the paper over to the smooth side.

Fold one of the long points to the middle of the model, lining it up on the center diagonal.

Fold the model in half along the center diagonal so the tabs end up on the outside.

You should have a blunted end (the head) and a long pointed end (the tail). The triangular tabs formed in Steps 5 and 6 are the fins.

Fold up the long end to form a tail to your liking. You can also reverse this fold in on itself to keep it in place. Adjust the fins to your liking, and don’t be coy — enjoy your paper koi.