A Zora as seen in Ocarina of Time
Zoras are a race of hospitable ocean-dwelling creatures who, since their first appearance in The Legend of Zelda, have become common in the Zelda series. They first appeared as enemies, which confuses many players as to whether these creatures are friend or foe. However, Zoras are most commonly recognized in the form presented in Ocarina of Time which shows a man-like creature with large fins on its head and arms and flipper-like feet. (pictured)
Zora or Zola?
There is some confusion about Zoras and Zolas. The term "Zora" first appears in A Link to the Past, but the Zoras that appear in the game are nearly identical to the Zolas, an enemy that attacks Link from the water, that appear in The Legend of Zelda. Link's Awakening also has a similar enemy that appears at one point in the game. It is possible that the term Zora was an error during localization. If that is the case, then Zoras and Zolas are the same race, but they just happened to turn evil at one point in the Zelda timeline. If this was not an error, then Zoras and Zolas are two seperate races that could easily confuse a fan.
It is important to note that this confusion could have been a translation error, as the "R" in japanese could also be translated as an "L" and vice versa. If this is the case, the two races are most certainly the same.
A Link to the Past
Zoras are common enemies that you will see around just about any body of water. They shoot a small red fireball in Link's direction. The only friendly Zora in the game is the leader of the Zoras. He will sell you the Flippers for five hundred rupees.
Ocarina of Time
This was the Zoras first peaceful appearance. All of the Zoras live in Zora's Domain and have easy access to Lake Hylia. Lord Jabu Jabu serves as their "god" and the people are led by King Zora. As a child, Link visits the domain and saves Princess Ruto from inside Jabu Jabu.
After Ganondorf has ruled for seven years, Zora's Domain and all of its residents have been covered in ice. Sheik manages to rescue Princess Ruto, but it is up to Link to destroy the evil inside of the Water Temple and restore peace to Zora's Domain.
Majora's Mask
Majora's Mask is the first and only Zelda title that allows you to take control of a Zora. By using the Zora Mask, Link can assume the form of Mikau, a now deceased member of the Indigo-Go's. Mikau and the Zora Mask are the most important Zora elements in the game, but the other members of the Indigo-Go's also have important roles to play. Some of these events are required to complete the game and others are optional activities that leave you with a few extra rupees or a Piece of Heart. The Zoras in this game are also noteably more technologically advanced than in the other games, having built a waterworks factory (the Great Bay Temple) and having a famous rock band. Their home is the Zora Hall in the Zora Cape.
Oracle of Ages
The Zoras have a village in the western areas of the oceans sound of land. One Zora in the village makes mention of the evil "River Zora," the aggressive kind that attack with fireballs.
The Wind Waker
The only actual Zora that makes an appearance in the game is Laruto, the sage of Earth. However, it has been a long time since Laruto was alive and Link only meets her spirit.
It is commonly believed the Zoras are the ancestors of the Rito tribe that Link meets on Dragon Roost Island. These theories rise from the idea that Medli, a young Rito, becomes the new sage of Earth (replacing a Zora). These theories are supported by a comment made by Laruto when Link first meets her: You must find the one who carries on my bloodline. The one who holds this sacred instrument. If Laruto and Medli are of the same bloodline, then that implies that they are related and that at one point in time the Ritos were Zoras.
Twilight Princess
In the new Zelda game, Zoras make an appearance, again. After saving the Goron tribe, Link travels with Midna to the Lanayru Province, at that time, absorbed by twilight. As a wolf, Link must collect the tears of light of Lanayru's light spirit. When he arrives to the Castle Town in Telma's bar, you find Ilia and a Zora boy, nearly dying. Then, when you go to the Zora's Domain, you can see it is frozen (like in OoT) and you can see all the Zoras under the ice. You will have a conversation with the Zora Queen (who is already dead) that will tell you if you can help her find her son and take him back to the Domain, then you will get something. When you restore light in Lanayru you will help Telma and Ilia to take the Zora boy to Kakariko village where Renardo will heal him. After he is safe the Zora Queen will appear. You will follow her into her grave and you will recieve the Zora Armor, which works as same as the Zora Tunic in OoT, but you can actually swim. Like in Majora's Mask, with the Zora Mask. Then, after completing the Lakebed Temple, you can see Zoras also in Death Mountain's hot springs, in Lake Hylia, and, of course, Zora's Domain and river.