What is a whale in crypto?
In the world of cryptocurrencies, a "whale" refers to a person (or organization) that owns a very large amount of a cryptocurrency. The nickname comes from the fact that, just like a real whale in the ocean, they can create big waves when they move.
What impact do they have on the market?
When a whale makes a large transaction — for example, selling or buying a huge amount of crypto — it can move the prices. If they sell a lot at once, it can cause the value to drop. If they buy in bulk, it can push the price up. Their influence is real, especially in markets where trading volumes are lower.
Who are these whales?
They’re often:
People who invested very early, when prices were still low.
Exchanges that manage millions or even billions worth of crypto.
Investment funds specialized in the crypto space.
And sometimes even groups or institutions that prefer to stay anonymous.
Can we track them?
Yes. Thanks to the transparency of the blockchain, some websites allow you to follow the movements of very large wallets in real time. It’s a way for traders to watch what the big players are doing, since their decisions can signal upcoming market trends.