Cable bacteria, a recently discovered type of microorganism found in marine and freshwater sediments, have the unique ability for long-distance electron transfer. Their capacity to link sulfide oxidation in deep anoxic layers with oxygen reduction in surface aerobic layers over spatial distances has garnered significant attention. This electron transfer not only influences sediment pH migration but also affects sediment potential, creating electric fields that impact the cycling of various elements in sediments, thus influencing the ecological environment. Research on cable bacteria"s electron transfer and environmental effects has been prominently featured in top international journals like Nature and PNAS, making it a current research focus. This article summarizes existing research on cable bacteria, covering their classification, habitats, structural characteristics, motility, electron transfer abilities, and environmental impacts. Through bibliometric methods, the literature is analyzed to identify current research trends and future directions, providing insights for further exploration of cable bacteria"s physiological traits and environmental effects.