Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is an herbivorous freshwater fish native to China and has been recognized as a main aquaculture species in the Chinese freshwater polyculture system with high economic value.However,as a consequence of fast domestication,over-fishing and water pollution,germplasm resources of M.amblycephala are under threat of recession.It is urgent to study its germplasm resources and genetic improvement.The present paper summarized the major results in studies on morphology,cytogenetics,molecular population genetics and genomics of M.amblycephala,as well as the progress on its genetic improvement through hybridization,selective breeding and gynogenesis techniques,which would offer the basic resources for the sustainable development of M.amblycephalaseed industry.