Oligotrophic bacteria are widely distributed in natural environments, especially in oligotrophic environments where they play an important role in biogeochemical cycling. Recently, there have been an increased number of reports on oligotrophic bacteria due to application of molecular techniques. Isolation and cultivation techniques of oligotrophic bacteria, their ecological function and applications are among the frontier research topics in the fields of microbiology and environmental science. Here we summarized the findings in these aspects and reviewd the future development trends.