The age and growth of the longnose gar in Central Missouri were determined from the branchiostegal rays. Males and femmes differed markedly in growth and longevity. One-year-old males were 19.5 inches long, and females were 22.0 inches long. Females continued to grow approximately one inch a year for 13 to 14 years, and outlived the males. Males matured between 3 and 4 years of age, and females at about 6 years of age. Sex ratios changed with the age of the fish; initially they were in favor of the males, and after 10 years, they were in favor of females. The average number of eggs per female was 27,830; range 4,273 and 59,422. The mature eggs are toxic to mice and other higher vertebrates, but are probably not toxic to fishes.