Crypto Under the Sea: Exploring the Intriguing Ties Between the Marine Kingdom and the Crypto World
The crypto space has adopted some exciting and interesting terms to describe its different investors, and guess what? Many of these terms are inspired by marine creatures in the marine kingdom.
We all know that the ocean is vast, deep, mysterious, and very unpredictable, full of different creatures. This is exactly the same in the world of cryptocurrencies.
In this blog, we will explore how marine creatures like whales, sharks, and even crabs are used to describe different types of crypto investors. We will also dive into how the darker, mysterious side of the ocean perfectly mirrors the hidden dangers of the crypto market, while also highlighting the beauty and potential for discovery that both kingdoms offer.
I believe this blog will be exciting and informative, helping you learn about the connections between the ocean and the crypto market. Just remember, some of my views are only personal opinions meant to get you thinking.
Whales: The Giants of the Marine and Crypto World
What happens when a giant humpback whale jumps out of the water and slaps it? You will see a huge splash that disrupts the calm surface of the water, right? Similarly, in the crypto world, cryptocurrency whales have the power to create big waves.
Whales are the big players in the crypto space. They are people or institutions that hold more than 1,000 bitcoins or more. When a whale buys or sells a large amount of crypto, it can cause the price to rise or fall. Just like how the water splashes when a giant whale jumps, the steady prices in the crypto market also shake, leading to volatility when a crypto whale makes a move.
Whales are often strategic, using their size to move the market in their favor. They might sell off a huge amount of cryptocurrency to drop the price, only to buy it back later when it’s cheaper. This can be risky for smaller investors, as they may get caught in the waves and lose money.
Sharks, Dolphins, and Fish: Different Types of Investors
While whales rule the crypto ocean, they’re not the only creatures swimming around. Sharks are also significant players, but they hold less than whales, like 500 – 1,000 bitcoins. Even though they’re smaller, sharks can still have an impact on the market, especially when they act together.
Next, we have dolphins. These are mid-sized investors who hold 100 to 500 bitcoins and possess a lot of experience in the market. They don’t hold enough to make big moves, but they know how to manage their investments well. In the ocean, dolphins know how to defend themselves, especially from sharks, and survive. Similarly, dolphin investors in the crypto space have years of experience and often know what to do when whales and sharks make their moves.
At the bottom of the food chain are the "fish." These are the small to mid-sized investors who hold between 50 to 100 bitcoins. While they have a decent amount of crypto, they can still be vulnerable to the larger players, like whales and sharks. When a whale or shark makes a big move in the market, these fish often feel the impact, which can lead to significant losses for them.
However, we cannot neglect the fact that most of these investors know how to survive in the space, and they are also well-informed, except for a few investors. Although they may not influence prices as much, their presence is still important, reminding us that every player has a role in the crypto ecosystem.
Below I have created an image for you to understand the different investors in the crypto space and their bitcoin holder rankings and how each player is identified by different marine creatures in the marine kingdom.
In the above image you can see that shrimp are the smallest investors in this space. These investors are usually new and inexperienced, they are still in the learning process and most of the time they feel the pain of sudden price movements and might not survive the volatility of the market prices when whales and sharks collectively make moves in the crypto space.
In the worst case, if these investors are fixed minded, meaning if they are not open to learning, then their time in this game is very short lived.
A Dive into Marine-Inspired Crypto Wallets
I’ve noticed that many cryptocurrency wallets, especially software wallets (hot wallets), have adopted marine-inspired names. For example, Kraken, which is both a software wallet and a Crypto exchange, takes its name from the mythical sea monster. The Kraken is often depicted as an octopus-like creature that terrorizes sailors by dragging ships and their crews into the depths of the ocean.
My take on Kraken is that it represents the power and mystery of the sea. Just like the legendary creature, the Kraken wallet symbolizes strength in the crypto world, suggesting users can confidently navigate the tricky waters of trading. It’s a powerful tool for managing assets safely.
Another example is Exodus, a popular software wallet. The name Exodus comes from the biblical Book of Exodus, where Moses, empowered by God, divided the Red Sea. This act symbolizes not just freedom but also mastery and control over the sea.
So, while Kraken represents a fearsome creature lurking in the depths, Exodus symbolizes having power over the sea! My personal thought on Exodus is that it represents the ability to navigate and conquer those waters. It suggests that users can confidently manage their cryptocurrencies, much like Moses led his people to safety across the parted sea.
Then we have the Lobster wallet from Stellar. Lobsters are known for being tough and adapting to different ocean environments. However, I see lobsters as bottom-dwelling creatures that eat dirt and muck from the ocean floor.
They are also considered a fancy dish for wealthy people, which gives me a negative perception. But still, Stellar must have its own reasons for choosing this name. After all, we can perceive the meaning of anything in our own way, can't we?
There are many other wallets that derive their names from the marine kingdom, such as the Tidal Wallet provided by Tidal Finance, and the Fathom Wallet from Fathom Technologies.
Then there's the Marina Wallet, developed by Marina Technologies, and the Seashell Wallet from Seashell Finance. These names show a special link between the sea and the crypto world. While we might guess their meanings, we may never truly know what inspired them, adding a sense of mystery to each wallet.
The Sinister Depths of the Marine and Crypto Realms
The Survival of the Fittest
In the ocean, the bigger creatures' prey on smaller ones therefore the survival can be very harsh and only the smartest and strongest will survive. This is no different in the crypto space as well. Large investors always have the upper hand while the smaller investors can often get swallowed by market manipulation and scams just like how a whale swallows thousands of small fish and krill all in one gulp.
For example, whales might sell off large amounts of crypto, creating huge selling pressure in the market and driving the price down. Smaller, inexperienced investors, seeing the price drop, may panic and sell their crypto as well, causing the price to fall even further.
Then, the whales buy back in at a lower price, causing a price surge and leaving the smaller investors with losses. This kind of manipulation is really painful for those who aren’t prepared for it.
Another manipulation is when some influencers use their power to pump up tokens, hyping them just to sell off at a higher price. Once they've sold, the price crashes, leaving regular investors at a loss. It’s a harsh tactic, but common in this space, where the strong often profit at the expense of others. Many small investors, after experiencing such significant losses, may lose trust in the market and may never consider entering again.
Mysteries of the Unknown
The marine kingdom is full of mystery, there are places that we have not even explored and there are creatures that we have not even seen, the depth of the ocean is really dark, inhospitable and mysterious.
While only a few explorers have reached some of the ocean's deepest known points like Mariana Trench, there could be other parts of the ocean, perhaps even deeper or unexplored due its extreme pressure and darkness.
Just like the ocean, the crypto world is full of mystery and uncertainty. Crypto is mysterious because it’s hard for most people to fully understand how it works.
Even though Blockchain, the technology behind most cryptocurrencies, seems transparent, its complexity makes it confusing for many. Mark my words, in the crypto space, you will never finish learning.
New projects connecting to decentralized finance (DeFi), Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, Decentralized Physical infrastructure (DePIN) and NFTs keep appearing, but their real impact is still a mystery. While these things are exciting, people don’t always know why they matter or how they will shape the future.
Crypto also allows for a lot of anonymity, so it's not always clear who is behind big market moves. Just like the deep ocean hides unknown creatures, the crypto world hides a lot of secrets.
For example, the creator of bitcoin is still unknown to this date and in the early days of crypto, Bitcoin was a famous payment method on the dark web for shady transactions like human trafficking, drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and hacking services. This dark history adds to the mystery of cryptocurrencies, leaving many to wonder what else lies beneath the surface.
The Dangers of the Abyss: Scams and Traps
The ocean is home to creatures that use clever tricks to catch their prey. In the crypto world, scams and frauds operate in the same way. From fake cryptocurrency projects to phishing attacks and Ponzi schemes, there are plenty of dangers waiting to trap investors who are not paying any attention.
Scammers often promise quick and easy profits, using flashy websites and persuasive sales pitches to draw people in. It's similar to how an anglerfish lures its prey with a glowing light—these scams hook investors, leaving them empty-handed and filled with regret. For instance, scammers on social media often promote fake airdrops and giveaways, claiming they’ll send free tokens if users transfer a small amount of crypto to verify their wallets.
Then there are the QR code scams on YouTube, where scammers imitate influencers' voices, tricking people into scanning a code and sending crypto with promises of bigger returns. Unfortunately, these are just a couple of examples—there are plenty more schemes lurking in the crypto world.
The Abundant Life of the Marine and Crypto Realms
Even the marine kingdom sometimes seems to be dangerous, we have to admit that it is immensely beautiful, fascinating and mind blowing. When I went diving for the first time in my life, I realized that in this world there is a lot to discover, trust me it's a very rewarding experience when you get to see the ocean’s vibrant coral reefs teeming with life and beauty.
This same vibrancy also exists within the crypto space. Crypto thrives with innovation and opportunities. One of the great things about crypto is that crypto banks the unbanked.
For millions of people out there who do not have bank accounts, cryptocurrencies provide a way to join the global economy using just a mobile phone and a digital wallet. It’s like finding hidden treasure underwater!
For example, in El Salvador, many people had a hard time accessing banks because there weren't many around. But now, with Bitcoin and digital wallets like Chivo, things have changed. The government introduced Chivo so that people can easily send and receive money using their mobile phones.
This is especially helpful for Salvadorans living in other countries. They can send money back home quickly and pay less in fees compared to regular money transfer services.
Another positive aspect is Real World Asset Tokenization (RWA). RWA allows users to convert real-world assets like cars and properties into digital tokens. This means anyone can buy or sell these assets quickly without needing a middleman.
For instance, imagine being able to purchase a luxury housing unit or a famous condo in Dubai in just a matter of seconds using blockchain technology and smart contracts. While these things have not happened yet, they will definitely be a reality in the future.
Also, the creativity in the crypto space, from NFTs to decentralized finance (DeFi), is like the amazing variety of marine life. These innovations are creating new business models and making it easier for everyone to participate in the economy.
In this ever-changing sea of possibilities, the bright side of crypto shines brightly, encouraging everyone to explore what’s beneath the surface. It’s about more than just profits; people can now access new banking options through DeFi and earn money with play-to-earn games. As more folks join in, we see exciting innovations that make financial services accessible to all. The future of crypto is full of potential, inviting everyone to dive in and discover new treasures.
Final Thoughts
Always remember that while there is a brighter side in the realm of crypto, there is also a darker side. The only way to navigate these tricky waters is to keep learning and gaining experience no matter how difficult and scary the path is.
Keep in mind that there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and the rewards in this space can be mind-blowing, but so can the risks. Blockchain and Crypto are here to stay, and they will be playing a big role in the future in every industry.
And if you are interested in this space, you can read all my blogs and get a good understanding as everything is explained using analogies for anyone to understand. But my blogs can only prepare you, you have to sail in these waters on your own.
After all the saying goes “A smooth sea never makes a skilled sailor.” So, embrace the challenges, they're what will help you grow!
Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and are not financial advice. The views here are just the author’s opinions. The crypto market is volatile, so be sure to do your own research before investing.
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