Pigment-dispersing activities and cortisol-releasing activities of melanocortins and their receptors in xanthophores and head kidneys of the goldfish Carassius auratus

► There are five subtypes for melanocortin receptors (MCR) in goldfish. ► Three types of α-MSH stimulate xanthophores of goldfish with similar potency. ► MC1R is associated with pigment-dispersing activities of α-MSH-related peptides. ► ACTH stimulates cortisol release from interrenal cells in goldfish. ► MC2R is associated with cortisol-releasing activity of ACTH.