Young fish eat Copepods. Copepods are a major source of food for many aquatic species, saltwater and freshwater. Some species of Copepods help reduce the the mosquito population by eating the mosquito larva and nymphs. Many areas in the world stock standing water areas with the male copepods for this reason to reduce the population of mosquito's that transmit dangerous infections to humans.

If the balance of the aquatic species are maintained in the aquatic ecosystem, there should not be any major problems with the habituate. Yellow Perch are infamous for carrying parasitic worms in their flesh, because of their habit of grouping on the bottom of lakes and rivers. Yet they still can be eaten if properly cooked.

So when it comes to coepods, there are positives and negatives that balance out, when the aquatic environment is in balance. ~Parnelli