Number of Crab (10-100 ICP)
The Number of Crab (10–100 ICP) metric counts the total number of ICP addresses holding between 10 and 100 ICP. These addresses represent a small but increasingly meaningful balance range, often used for minor payments, operational purposes, testing, or low-activity wallets. This tier may also capture the entry point of micro retail participants, reflecting the early stages of individual user accumulation.
How it’s calculated
All addresses are analyzed based on their current ICP balance. Addresses holding at least 10 ICP but less than 100 ICP are included in this category. Each address is counted once, irrespective of transaction frequency or activity type.
Interpretation of trends
The Number of Crab provides insight into small but meaningful participation on the network:
- Increasing crab count:Suggests growth in micro retail participation or accumulation by small operational wallets. It may indicate broader adoption of ICP among minor participants or a rise in wallet usage for small-value operations.
- Stable crab count: Reflects a consistent number of small-scale wallets without significant expansion or consolidation, suggesting equilibrium in minor holdings.
- Declining crab count: Could indicate consolidation of small balances into larger wallets, or distributed into smaller ones.
Crab addresses, while individually modest, collectively hold more substantial value than plankton or shrimp tiers, making this metric a useful proxy for tracking micro retail accumulation and small-scale network engagement.
Limitations
Although informative for understanding wallet distribution, the Number of Crab has several limitations:
- Partial economic representation: While balances are more meaningful than smaller tiers, they still represent a small portion of the total ICP supply.
- Activity uncertainty: Crab addresses may be inactive, operational, or temporary, so the metric does not necessarily indicate frequent engagement.
- Automated or testing wallets: Some addresses may exist for testing, protocol interactions, or script-generated activity, inflating the count without reflecting genuine user adoption.
Disclaimer: The information provided in the descriptions above is for informational and educational purposes only and is intended as a general overview of the referenced metrics. These descriptions are illustrative, descriptive, and non-exhaustive; additional interpretations, use cases, and limitations may exist that are not covered here. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, investment, legal, tax, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as the sole basis for any decision-making process. All users should conduct their own independent research, validate data through multiple sources, and consult with qualified professionals where appropriate. The content provided does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or reliability, and no representation or warranty is made regarding its correctness. The metrics, interpretations, and examples mentioned are subject to change over time and may not reflect all possible scenarios or market conditions. By using this information, you acknowledge that you do so at your own discretion and responsibility. No advisory, fiduciary, or client relationship is created through the use or reading of this material.