Sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms are the primary agents driving the marine deposition cycle of sulfur elements. However, these microorganisms often encounter the challenge of spatial separation between their electron donors (sulfides) and electron acceptors (oxygen and nitrate) within marine deposits. A recent study has identified cable bacteria, a type of sulfur-oxidizing microbe capable of long-distance electron transport. This discovery represents a significant advancement in our understanding of the spatial separation of electron donors and acceptors in sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms. In sediment, cable bacteria transmit electrons generated by sulfide oxidation from the anaerobic layers deep within the sediment to the surface, spanning distances of several centimeters through their conductive fibers. This process facilitates the coupling of sulfide oxidation and oxygen reduction across spatial distances and induces significant pH migration, influencing the circulation of trace elements such as calcium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus within the sedimentary environment. These interactions impact the ecological environment in ways that cannot be overlooked. In light of this, the present paper consolidates current literature on cable bacteria and provides a comprehensive overview of their classification, habitats, structural and movement characteristics, long-distance electron transfer capabilities, and environmental impacts. Utilizing a bibliometric approach, the literature is clustered and visually analyzed to identify current research hotspots and future development trends concerning cable bacteria. This study aims to offer new insights and directions for further investigation into the physiological characteristics and environmental effects of cable bacteria.