The biological effects of ultraviolet radiation on terrestrial plants have been studied extensively. Ultraviolet radiation can also produce a series of negative effects on aquatic organisms. This review summarizes the situation of ultraviolet radiation penetration into the water column and the influencing factors, elaborates the biological effects of ultraviolet radiation on bacterioplankton, picoplankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroalgae, spawn and juvenile fish, and fish and amphibian, and introduces the biological mechanism of ultraviolet radiation on aquatic organisms from the direct and indirect effects. More research should be conducted on the interactive effects of ultraviolet radiation and climate change, acid deposition, water pollution and other environmental factors on aquatic organisms. Its research objects should be extended to more aquatic organisms, such as submerged macrophytes and benthic organisms. These studies will contribute to understanding the evolution, degradation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.