3 Altcoins Caught the Attention of Crypto Whales in February 2026: Are They Being Bought or Sold?
Jakarta, Pintu News –
Following a standout performance of privacy coins throughout 2025, the crypto market in early 2026 reflects a different story. Several leading coins have experienced sharp corrections, while newer names display volatile price bounces. As February commences, large-scale investors, known as crypto whales, have shifted their approach from indiscriminate speculation to selective buying and selling of specific privacy coins. Their strategies are influenced by momentum changes, early reversal signals, and chart structures that may determine the steps ahead—either upward or downward.
This article explores three privacy-focused altcoins—Zcash (ZEC), Dusk Network (DUSK), and COTI—that have attracted the scrutinizing eyes of crypto whales in recent weeks, analyzing whether they are accumulating or distributing these assets.
Zcash (ZEC): Signs of a Potential Turnaround
Zcash stood as one of the strongest privacy coins in 2025. However, its momentum sharply declined heading into 2026. In the past month alone, ZEC’s price dropped nearly 26%, highlighting a market attitude that favors risk aversion. Despite this, February shows promising early signs of reversal.
On January 28, major investors began large-scale purchases. Standard whale wallets increased their holdings by over 45%, raising their total to approximately 14,500 ZEC. Simultaneously, the top 100 largest addresses also boosted exposure by 14.6%, bringing combined ownership to 43,722 ZEC. In total, whales accumulated around 6,500 ZEC, approximately $2.5 million at current prices. Additionally, ZEC balances on exchanges declined, suggesting accumulation rather than distribution.
The price charts support the whales’ strategy. Since late December, ZEC traded within a bear flag pattern, typically signaling a continued decline of up to 42%. Yet, this bearish structure is weakening as Zcash recently broke above the upper trendline of the flag. Moreover, momentum indicators highlight a bullish divergence: while prices formed higher lows between October 30 and January 25, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) recorded lower lows. This hidden bullish divergence indicates underlying selling pressure is easing. Since this signal emerged, ZEC’s price has risen about 24%.
The key resistance level stands at $449. A confident breach above this could invalidate the bear flag and propel prices toward $561, where bearish trends would completely collapse. Conversely, a drop below $325 would reinstate downside risk, negating the bullish whale accumulation.
Dusk Network (DUSK): Divergent Whale Sentiment amid Volatility
Dusk Network presents a contrasting whale behavior scenario. After surging nearly 200% in the past 30 days—possibly driven by FOMO linked to other privacy coins like DASH and Monero—DUSK corrected over 38% in the last week, creating sharp divisions among holders.
On-chain data reveals smaller whales have trimmed their holdings by 7.22% during the correction, while mega whales among the top 100 wallets have increased their positions by nearly 14%, now holding around 464.44 million DUSK. This equates to a hefty purchase of about 56.6 million DUSK, or $8.2 million, during the recent price dip.
Chart analysis explains this split. DUSK seems to be forming an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern—a classic bullish reversal signal—although its neckline slopes downward, complicating a breakout. The critical resistance zone lies between $0.176 and $0.190. A daily close above $0.190 would confirm the pattern and potentially spark a 68% rally toward the $0.321–$0.330 range.
Momentum signals are nascent but improving. Between January 24 and 28, price action formed higher lows while RSI showed lower lows, another hidden bullish divergence. This setup remains valid only if DUSK holds above $0.140. A drop below that level would negate the bullish signal and risk a decline toward $0.098. In essence, whale behavior around DUSK remains divided: smaller whales reduce exposure amid correction, whereas mega whales accumulate, betting on a breakout. Until DUSK clears the $0.190 resistance, it remains a high-risk asset with an unconfirmed uptrend.
COTI: Early Accumulation After Prolonged Decline
COTI quietly entered a correction phase recently, with its token shedding roughly 22% over the last month and 14% within a week, trapped in a descending channel. Despite downward pressure, whale activity suggests selling may be abating.
On-chain insights show that from January 13 onward, whale holdings decreased notably from 733.46 million COTI to a low of 718.17 million. This distribution phase aligned with the downward price movement into mid-January. However, since January 22, whales have resumed buying, increasing holdings modestly by approximately 930,000 COTI to 719.1 million.
Although modest compared to previous sales, this buying signals early-stage accumulation rather than confident rallying.
Price charts provide context. Despite remaining inside the descending channel, momentum indicators signal potential improvement. Between November 4 and January 25, COTI formed lower lows, while RSI made higher lows—a bullish divergence often marking weakened selling pressure and possible trend reversal. Yet, validation requires a daily close above $0.019. Clearing this hurdle may pave the way for a 40% gain toward $0.024, negating the bearish setup.
Until the breakout is confirmed, risk persists. A fall below $0.015 could prolong the bearish divergence formation and increase the chance of deeper declines.
Conclusion
As February 2026 unfolds, crypto whales are selectively engaging with privacy coins amid market uncertainties. Zcash shows signs of recovery supported by whale accumulation and bullish technical signals. Dusk Network’s mixed whale activity underscores its volatile and speculative nature, hinging on key resistance breaks. Meanwhile, COTI’s cautious whale buying hints at tentative bottoming after a sustained downtrend.
Investors should monitor key price levels and whale behavior closely, keeping in mind the inherent risks and volatility in the crypto space.
Pintu News urges readers to conduct their own research before engaging in cryptocurrency investments. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and trading cryptocurrencies carries significant risk.
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