<p>This article systematically reviews the interactions of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) with iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB), iron-reducing bacteria (IRB), methanogenic archaea (MA), anaerobic Clostridia, and nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB) in a multi-species system and their effects on microbial corrosion (MIC). Breaking through the limitations of single-microorganism research, the focus was on analyzing the complex effects of multi-species synergy or competition on corrosion, such as the intensification of pitting corrosion through the interaction of metabolic products between SRB and IOB/IRB. SRB competes with MA for substrates to regulate the corrosion path; NRB inhibits SRB activity through Bio-competitive exclusion (BCX); Clostridia enhances the corrosion efficiency of SRB through sulfite reduction, metabolic substrate supply and biofilm interweaving. The research also emphasized the regulatory role of environmental factors (such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, substrate concentration) on microbial behavior and corrosion, providing a theoretical basis for MIC control in complex environments. This article differs from previous reviews in providing a more comprehensive summary of the corrosion mechanism mediated by multi-bacterial biofilms. It offers more systematic research data for future researchers in the field of microbial corrosion and points out the direction for the development of green anti-corrosion strategies such as ecological regulation and composite corrosion inhibition. It has significant guiding significance for the prevention and control of microbial corrosion in the oil and gas industry.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>