Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a kind of RNA with the length over 200 bp and lack of open reading frame and conserved codon, without the potential of protein-coding. lncRNA can interact with RNA, DNA or proteins to mediate the regulation of target genes and play its role at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional and epigenetic levels. A lot of researches have shown that lncRNA plays a key role in reproduction, embryo development, sex differentiation, immunity and metabolism. Recently, numerous research findings about lncRNAs in aquatic animals have achieved certain results. However, no comprehensive summary has been reported in this aspect so far. In view of this, this paper mainly reviews the definition and classification, biological characteristics, mechanism of action and research progress of lncRNAs in aquatic animals. The aim of this review is to provide basic references for analyzing prospects of further development about lncRNAs in aquatic animals.