Predicted to enable melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor activity. Predicted to be involved in adenylate cyclase-activating G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and regulation of metabolic process. Predicted to act upstream of or within G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway. Located in plasma membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including endocrine system; female organism; integument; male organism; and nervous system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in familial melanoma; major depressive disorder; melanoma; oculocutaneous albinism type II; and pigmentation disease. Orthologous to human MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor).