A systematic review of domestic and international literature was conducted to summarize distribution characteristics and toxic effects of short-chain per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in water, sediments and aquatic organisms. Short chain PFASs are widely detected across global water bodies, sediments and aquatic organisms, and tend to accumulate persistently in aquatic environments owing to their recalcitrance and multiple pollution sources. The total mass concentration of PFASs in global water ranges from 27.5 to 1550 ng/L, among which short chain PFASs account for the highest propertion, reaching 78.60%. The mass ratio of PFASs in fish liver is measured at 2.65~1100 ng/g. Compared with long chain PFASs, short chain counterparts possess higher bioaccumulation potential and lower median lethal concentrations toward same aquatic organisms. They also trigger diverse toxic effects on aquatic organisms at lower trophic levels.