[3]Odax pullus is common in New Zealand coastal waters, particularly around the South Island.

[1] It inhabits shallow, rocky areas with brown algae growth, mainly Carpophyllum.

[3] Rarī is a traditional Māori food-source, and developed a folk reputation for being troublemakers.

[3] The fish was more commonly eaten in southern New Zealand, and typically caught using large pole nets which used kelp as a camouflage.

[3] Early European settlers similarly had a poor reputation for the fish, until a public health campaign in the 1920s by the Department of Health, who encouraged people to eat the fish due to its high levels of iodine.